diverticulum

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diverticulum (dy-ver-tik-yoo-lŭm) n. (pl. diverticula) a sac or pouch formed at weak points in the walls of the alimentary tract. colonic d. a diverticulum that affects the colon. They are sometimes associated with abdominal pain or altered bowel habit (see diverticular disease, diverticulitis). jejunal d. a diverticulum that affects the small intestine. They are often multiple and may give rise to abdominal discomfort and malabsorption. Meckel's d. a diverticulum that occurs in the ileum as a congenital abnormality. It may become inflamed, mimicking appendicitis, or it may form a peptic ulcer, causing pain, bleeding, or perforation.

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