About Meckel Diverticulectomy
Key Highlights
-
Definitive treatment to eliminate symptoms and prevent serious complications like hemorrhage or obstruction.Can often be performed laparoscopically, leading to smaller incisions, less pain, and a quicker recovery.Resolves the source of chronic abdominal pain, bleeding, or recurrent inflammation.Prevents potential future emergencies, such as perforation or volvulus (twisting).Performed by specialized surgical gastroenterologists with expertise in gastrointestinal anatomy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (often painless, maroon-colored stools) originating from the diverticulum.
- Meckel's diverticulitis (inflammation/infection), which causes symptoms similar to appendicitis.
- Intestinal obstruction due to the diverticulum causing intussusception or volvulus.
- Chronic, unexplained abdominal pain linked to the presence of the diverticulum.
- Incidental discovery during surgery for another condition, especially if it contains ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue (which can cause ulcers).
- Perforation of the diverticulum, a surgical emergency.
How to prepare
- Complete medical history review and physical examination by the surgical gastroenterologist.
- Pre-operative imaging, such as a Meckel's scan (technetium-99m pertechnetate scan) or CT scan, to confirm diagnosis and location.
- Blood tests to check for anemia, infection, and overall health status.
- Informed consent process discussing the procedure, risks, and benefits.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery (nothing to eat or drink).
- Discontinuation of certain medications like blood thinners as advised by the doctor.
- Bowel preparation (enema or laxatives) may be required in some cases.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, and infection at the incision site.
- Leakage from the intestinal connection (anastomotic leak), a serious complication.
- Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) that could cause future bowel obstruction.
- Injury to nearby structures like blood vessels or other parts of the intestine.
- Recurrence of symptoms if not all ectopic tissue is removed.
- Hernia at the incision site.
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) that could travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically lasts 2-4 days, depending on the surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. open).
- Pain is managed with medications; a liquid diet is started initially, advancing to solid foods as tolerated.
- Walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and prevent complications.
- Incision care instructions will be provided; stitches or staples are usually removed in 7-10 days.
- Patients should avoid heavy lifting (more than 10-15 lbs) and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
- Follow-up appointment with the surgeon is scheduled to monitor healing.
- Contact the doctor immediately for signs of infection, severe pain, fever, or changes in bowel habits.
-
Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
-
Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering meckel diverticulectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for meckel diverticulectomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform meckel diverticulectomy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for meckel diverticulectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Meckel Diverticulectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing meckel diverticulectomy.
Diya Khan, a 28-year-old elementary school...
Diya Khan, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, had been experiencing intermittent, sharp abdominal pain and occasional dark, tarry stools for nearly a year. Initially attributing it to stress, she grew increasingly worried as the episodes became more frequent. After a particularly severe bout of pain and visible blood in her stool, she visited her GP, who referred her to a surgical gastroenterologist. A Meckel's scan confirmed a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum. The doctor gently explained that while the condition is a congenital remnant, it was now causing significant bleeding and pain, and a laparoscopic diverticulectomy was the definitive treatment to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage. Diya was anxious about surgery but trusted her doctor's clear explanation. The minimally invasive procedure went smoothly. After a short hospital stay, she recovered at home with some soreness but rapid improvement. Within three weeks, she was back teaching, free from pain and the constant fear of bleeding. Her emotional journey shifted from persistent anxiety and 'powering through' to immense relief and regained control over her health and life.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Meckel Diverticulectomy
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform meckel diverticulectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist