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Most people with a Meckel's are asymptomatic but of those who do develop symptoms, most will do so in childhood.
Meckel's diverticulum is located in the distal ileum, usually within about 60-100 cm of the ileocecal valve . It is usually about 3-5 cm long, runs antimesenterically and has its own blood supply. A memory aid is "2 percent - 2 feet - 2 inches".
The most common presentation is of painless rectal bleeding , followed by intestinal obstruction , volvulus and intussusception . Occasionally, Meckel's diverticulitis may present with all the features of acute appendicitis .
A technetium-99m ( 99mTc ) pertechnetate scan is the investigation of choice to look for a Meckel's. This scan detects gastric mucosa - as a Meckel's diverticulum often has ectopic gastric ( stomach) cells contained within it, this shows up as a spot on the scan distant from the stomach proper. Other tests such as colonoscopy should be performed as well as screening for bleeding disorders .