Therefore, during appendectomy, ileum should be checked for the presence of Meckels diverticulum, if it is found to be present it should be removed along with appendix.A memory aid is the rule of 2s:
2% (of the population)
2 feet (proximal to the ileocecal valve)
2 inches (in length)
2 types of common ectopic tissue (gastric and pancreatic)
2 years is the most common age at clinical presentation
2:1 male:female ratioHowever, the exact values for the above criteria range from 0.2–5 (for example, prevalence is probably 0.2–4%).It can also be present as an indirect hernia, typically on the right side, where it is known as a "Hernia of Littré". A case report of strangulated umbilical hernia with Meckels diverticulum has also been published in the literature. Furthermore, it can be attached to the umbilical region by the vitelline ligament, with the possibility of vitelline cysts, or even a patent vitelline canal forming a vitelline fistula when the umbilical cord is cut. Torsions of intestine around the intestinal stalk may also occur, leading to obstruction, ischemia, and necrosis. Diagnosis
A technetium-99m (99mTc) pertechnetate scan, also called Meckel scan or nuclear scintigraphy scan, is the investigation of choice to diagnose Meckels diverticula in children. This scan detects gastric mucosa; since approximately 50% of symptomatic Meckels diverticula have ectopic gastric or pancreatic cells contained within them, this is displayed as a spot on the scan distant from the stomach itself.
Rarely, a Meckels diverticulum containing ectopic pancreatic tissue can present with abdominal pain and increased serum amylase levels, mimicking acute pancreatitis. Complications
The lifetime risk for a person with Meckels diverticulum to develop certain complications is about 4–6%. Gastrointestinal bleeding, peritonitis or intestinal obstruction may occur in 15–30% of symptomatic people (Table 1). Only 6.4% of all complications require surgical treatment, and untreated Meckels diverticulum has a mortality rate of 2.5–15%.Table 1 – Complications of Meckels Diverticulum:

Bleeding
Bleeding of the diverticulum is most common in young children, especially in males who are less than 2 years of age. Symptoms may include bright red blood in stools (hematochezia), weakness, abdominal tenderness or pain, and even anaemia in some cases.Bleeding may be caused by:

Ectopic gastric or pancreatic mucosa:Where diverticulum contains embryonic remnants of mucosa of other tissue types. Secretion of gastric acid or alkaline pancreatic juice from the ectopic mucosa leads to ulceration in the adjacent ileal mucosa i.e. peptic or pancreatic ulcer. Pain, bleeding or perforation of the bowel at the diverticulum may result. Mechanical stimulation may also cause erosion and ulceration.Gastrointestinal bleeding may be self-limiting but chronic bleeding may lead to iron deficiency anaemia.The appearance of stools may indicate the nature of the bleeding:

Tarry stools: Alteration of blood produced by slow bowel transit due to minor bleeding in upper gastrointestinal tract
Bright red blood stools: Brisk bleeding
Stools with blood streak: Anal fissure
"Currant jelly" stools: Ischaemia of the intestine leads to copious mucus production and may indicate that one part of the bowel invaginates into another intussusception.