Learn about Meckel Scan Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Meckel Scan and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Meckel Scan

A Meckel Scan, also known as a Meckel's Diverticulum Scan, is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging procedure used to detect ectopic gastric mucosa, most commonly found in a Meckel's diverticulum. This painless, non-invasive test involves the intravenous injection of a small amount of a radioactive tracer, technetium-99m pertechnetate, which is selectively taken up by the acid-secreting cells in gastric tissue. A gamma camera then captures images of the abdomen over approximately one hour. The scan is highly sensitive and specific for identifying a Meckel's diverticulum, which is a common cause of painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in children and young adults. It provides crucial diagnostic information without the need for more invasive exploratory surgery.

Key Highlights

    Non-invasive and painless diagnostic imaging procedure.High sensitivity and specificity for detecting ectopic gastric mucosa in a Meckel's diverticulum.Helps avoid unnecessary exploratory surgery by providing a definitive diagnosis.Uses a very small, safe amount of radioactive tracer with minimal radiation exposure.Procedure is typically completed within 60-90 minutes.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Unexplained, painless lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, particularly in children and young adults.
  • Suspected Meckel's diverticulum based on clinical symptoms like rectal bleeding or anemia.
  • Recurrent abdominal pain where other common causes have been ruled out.
  • Pre-operative planning to confirm the presence and location of a Meckel's diverticulum.
  • Evaluation of possible intestinal obstruction or inflammation linked to a diverticulum.

How to prepare

  • Fasting is usually required for 4-6 hours before the scan to reduce gastric secretions and improve image clarity.
  • Certain medications, especially those that affect stomach acid (like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors), may need to be stopped for 1-2 days prior, as per doctor's instructions.
  • Inform the nuclear medicine team of any allergies, recent illnesses, or if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
  • No special bowel preparation or sedation is typically needed.
  • Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing to the appointment.

Risks & possible complications

  • Minimal risk from the low-dose radiation exposure, comparable to other standard X-ray procedures.
  • Very rare risk of an allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer.
  • Minor discomfort from the intravenous (IV) needle insertion.
  • There is a small chance of a false-negative or false-positive result, which your doctor will interpret in context with other clinical findings.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • No specific recovery period is needed; patients can resume normal activities and diet immediately after the scan.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive tracer from the body.
  • The tracer is eliminated primarily through urine, so practicing good hygiene, like thorough handwashing after using the toilet, is recommended for the first 24 hours.
  • Results are analyzed by a specialist and reported to your referring doctor, who will discuss the findings and next steps with you.
  • Follow-up is based on the scan results and the underlying clinical condition.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Outpatient (No hospital stay required)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Immediate (same day)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering meckel scan in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for meckel scan compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 50 – USD 132 Outpatient (No hospital stay required) ~ Immediate (same day) Know More
Turkey USD 369 – USD 983 Outpatient (No hospital stay required) ~ Immediate (same day) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Anjali Williams, a 7-year-old girl, was...

Anjali Williams, a 7-year-old girl, was brought to the ER by her worried parents after two episodes of painless, maroon-colored stools. She was otherwise healthy and active. The pediatrician, noting her pallor and a slightly low hemoglobin count, was concerned about a significant but occult GI bleed. Given her age and symptoms, a Meckel's diverticulum was the top suspect. The pediatric surgeon recommended a Meckel Scan to confirm. Anjali was scared of the big camera machine, but the nuclear medicine staff were wonderful, using stuffed animals to demonstrate and letting her pick a movie to watch during the scan. Her parents were allowed to stay right beside her. The scan was positive. She had successful surgery the next day. Her parents moved from sheer terror at seeing their child bleed to profound relief. Anjali bounced back quickly, her playful energy returning once the source of the bleed was gone.