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Meckel’s diverticulectomy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Meckel's diverticulectomy  - series
Meckel's diverticulectomy - series

Definition    Return to top

Meckel's diverticulectomy is surgery to remove an abnormal pouch. This pouch is called a Meckel's diverticulum. It forms in the wall of the small intestine.

Description    Return to top

You will receive general anesthesia before surgery. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain.

Surgeons can also do this surgery using a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a tiny camera that is inserted into your belly through a small cut. Video from the camera will appear on a monitor in the operating room. The surgeon uses the monitor to do the surgery. In surgery using a laparoscope:

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

Treatment of Meckel’s diverticulum is needed to prevent inflammation, bleeding, infection, or bowel obstruction (a blockage in your intestine). The most common symptom of Meckel's diverticulum is painless bleeding from the rectum. Your stool may contain fresh blood or look black and tarry.

Most people have surgery to treat a Meckel’s diverticulum if it causes symptoms.

Risks    Return to top

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

During the days before your surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure    Return to top

Most people stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days if there are no problems after surgery. During this time, doctors and nurses will carefully monitor you. You will receive medicine to relieve any pain. You will receive fluids and nutrition through an IV (a tube that goes into a vein) at first. You will have this IV until your doctor or nurse can hear bowel sounds. These sounds mean your bowels are active again. Passing gas or having a bowel movement is a sign of bowel activity. Once this happens, you can starting eating by mouth.

You may have a tube through your nose into your stomach. This is called a nasogastric tube. It will empty your stomach.

You may need to take antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection.

You will need to follow up with your surgeon 7 to 10 days after surgery for testing.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most people who have a Meckel’s diverticulectomy have a good outcome. But the results of any surgery depend on your health in general and many other things. Talk with your doctor about your expected outcome.

References    Return to top

Evers BM. Small intestine. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 48.

Update Date: 2/17/2009

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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