About Meckel Diverticulum
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment for symptomatic Meckel diverticulum, preventing recurrent complications.Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery is often possible, leading to smaller scars and less post-operative pain.Resolves common symptoms like gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, and intestinal obstruction.Performed by a specialized pediatric gastroenterologist who understands the unique anatomy and needs of children.Can prevent serious long-term risks such as perforation, peritonitis, and volvulus.
Who is this surgery for?
- Painless rectal bleeding, often maroon or brick-red in color, especially in a young child.
- Symptoms of intestinal obstruction: abdominal pain, distension, vomiting, and constipation.
- Diverticulitis: inflammation of the diverticulum causing localized abdominal pain and fever.
- Intussusception where the diverticulum acts as a lead point.
- Umbilical discharge or fistula formation.
- Incidental finding during imaging or surgery for another condition, though prophylactic removal is debated.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including medical history, physical exam, and blood tests.
- Diagnostic confirmation typically via a Meckel's scan, which requires fasting for 4-6 hours prior.
- Bowel preparation may be instructed, depending on the surgical plan.
- Discussion of anesthesia risks with a pediatric anesthesiologist.
- Fasting as per hospital protocol (usually 6-8 hours for solids, 2 hours for clear liquids).
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits to parents/guardians.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, and infection at the incision site.
- Specific risks: bowel leakage (anastomotic leak), injury to surrounding intestines, or adhesive bowel obstruction in the future.
- Risks associated with laparoscopy: injury to blood vessels or organs during port placement.
- Potential for incomplete resection if the diverticulum base is wide.
- Standard post-operative risks like pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring pain, hydration, and return of bowel function.
- Pain management with appropriate pediatric medications.
- Gradual advancement of diet from clear liquids to soft foods as tolerated.
- Incision care instructions to keep the area clean and dry.
- Activity restrictions (avoiding strenuous play, sports, and heavy lifting) for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering meckel diverticulum in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform meckel diverticulum. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists 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 diverticulum compare across other countries where we have data.
James Roy is a 10-year-old, energetic...
James Roy is a 10-year-old, energetic boy who loves playing soccer. He had been experiencing intermittent, crampy abdominal pain for several months, often dismissed as 'growing pains' or a sensitive stomach. The pain would come and go, but over the past two weeks, it became more severe and persistent. He also began passing dark, tarry stools (melena) and appeared pale and fatigued. His pediatrician, concerned about possible gastrointestinal bleeding, referred him to a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. After a thorough history and physical exam, the doctor suspected Meckel's diverticulum, a congenital pouch in the small intestine that can bleed. A Meckel's scan (nuclear medicine scan) confirmed the diagnosis by showing ectopic gastric tissue in the diverticulum. The doctor recommended a laparoscopic resection to remove the diverticulum, explaining it was the source of his pain and bleeding. James was nervous about surgery but relieved to have an answer. The minimally invasive procedure went smoothly. Post-operatively, he had some discomfort managed with medication but recovered quickly in the hospital over two days. Within a week, his energy returned, his stools normalized, and his color improved. Emotionally, James and his parents went from months of worry and frustration over unexplained symptoms to immense relief. He felt validated that his pain was real and is now happily back on the soccer field, free of pain.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologists for Meckel Diverticulum
Explore experienced pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists who regularly perform meckel diverticulum and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore