Meckel's diverticulectomy is surgery to remove an abnormal pouch on the lining of the small intestine (bowel). This pouch is called a Meckel's diverticulum.

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

• If you have open surgery, your surgeon will make a large surgical cut in the right side of your lower belly to open up the area.
• Your surgeon will examine the small intestine in the area where the pouch or diverticulum is located.
• Your surgeon will remove the diverticulum from the wall of your intestine.
• Sometimes, the surgeon may need to remove a small part of your intestine along with the diverticulum. If this is done, the open ends of your intestine will be sewn or stapled back together. This procedure is called anastomosis.

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:

• Your surgeon will make 3 to 5 small cuts in your belly. The camera and other small tools will be inserted through these cuts.
• Your surgeon may also make a cut that is 2 to 3 inches long to put a hand through, if needed.
• Your belly will be filled with gas to allow the surgeon to see the area and perform the surgery with more room to work.

Treatment of Meckel’s diverticulum is needed to prevent:

• Bleeding
• Bowel obstruction (a blockage in your intestine)
• Infection
• Inflammation

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.

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Meckel’s diverticulectomy Risks

Review Date: 11/01/2010
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)