Our approach
Not every Meckel's diverticulum requires surgery.
We assess the clinical manifestations, the results of imaging studies, the patient's age, the presence of complications, and the individual risk of developing them. For a symptomatic diverticulum or when complications develop, surgical treatment is recommended. Whenever possible, preference is given to minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
What is Meckel's diverticulum?
Meckel's diverticulum is a blind pouch in the wall of the ileum, a remnant of the embryonic vitelline duct.
Its special feature is that it may contain:
- gastric mucosa
- pancreatic tissue
- less often, other types of ectopic tissue
It is the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa that often causes bleeding.
Why does Meckel's diverticulum develop?
The diverticulum forms during fetal development.
It is a congenital anomaly that is not related to lifestyle, diet, or previous illnesses.
Symptoms
In most people, the diverticulum causes no symptoms at all.
When complications develop, the following may occur:
- abdominal pain
- intestinal bleeding
- black or bloody stools
- anemia
- diverticulitis
- bowel obstruction
- intussusception of the small bowel
- perforation
In children, the most common manifestation is painless intestinal bleeding; in adults, bowel obstruction or inflammation.
When to see a doctor
A consultation is recommended if:
- a Meckel's diverticulum has been found
- you have unexplained intestinal bleeding
- there are signs of bowel obstruction
- diverticulitis is suspected
- the indications for surgical treatment need to be determined
How is the diagnosis made?
The following are used to establish the diagnosis:
- consultation with a surgeon
- laboratory tests
- ultrasound examination
- computed tomography
- technetium-99m scintigraphy (when indicated)
- diagnostic laparoscopy
- histological examination after removal
How is it treated?
The treatment strategy depends on the presence of symptoms and complications.
Options may include:
- follow-up monitoring of an incidentally found asymptomatic diverticulum in selected patients
- laparoscopic removal of the diverticulum
- resection of a small bowel segment together with the diverticulum
- reconstruction of bowel continuity
Surgical treatment
At MSI we perform:
- laparoscopic diverticulectomy
- segmental resection of the small bowel
- laparoscopic and open operations for complicated forms of the disease
- reconstructive bowel procedures
The extent of surgery is determined individually depending on the location of the diverticulum, the presence of ectopic mucosa, and the development of complications.
Recovery after treatment
After surgery, modern ERAS protocols are used, allowing fast recovery of bowel function, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal life.
Why choose MSI
- Experience in treating rare small bowel conditions
- Modern laparoscopic surgery
- An organ-preserving approach
- Multidisciplinary treatment planning
- Adherence to international guidelines
- Enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. The decision is made individually, taking into account the patient's age, the anatomical features of the diverticulum, and the risk of complications.
Yes. This is especially often related to the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa, which produces acid and can lead to ulcers and bleeding.
In most patients, yes. Laparoscopic treatment is the method of choice when there are no contraindications.
Not always. If the base of the diverticulum is wide, or there is inflammation, bleeding, or suspected changes in the adjacent bowel, a segmental resection of the small bowel may be needed.
The outlook is very favorable. After timely surgical treatment, most patients recover fully and return to their normal lifestyle, and the risk of the disease recurring is practically nil.