Vitellointestinal malformations

Abstract Vitellointestinal malformations are a spectrum of disorders arising from incomplete embryological regression of the vitellointestinal tract. Variants encountered may present as a discharging umbilicus, an acute abdomen, or painless rectal bleeding. The most common variant Meckel diverticulum is often encountered as an incidental finding at operation performed for other indications. Not all vitellointestinal malformations become pathological, so their treatment when encountered incidentally is debated. Pathological Meckel diverticulum tends to present in different ways at different ages. Bleeding is more common in younger children, whereas older children are more likely to present with an acute abdomen from infection, perforation, or obstruction.