What is Meckel's diverticulum?
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital outpouching of the ileal wall that is a remnant of the vitelline duct. It is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine.
In most people it causes no symptoms, but it can lead to:
- intestinal bleeding
- inflammation (Meckel's diverticulitis)
- intestinal obstruction
- intussusception
- perforation
- more rarely, tumors
Depending on the clinical situation, a simple diverticulectomy or a segmental small bowel resection is performed.
Our approach
At MSI, Meckel's diverticulum is treated in line with modern international guidelines and the principles of minimally invasive surgery.
Before a planned operation, the following may be performed:
- computed tomography
- technetium scintigraphy (when indicated)
- endoscopic examinations
- laboratory tests
*When technically feasible, we aim to perform resection of Meckel's diverticulum laparoscopically.* This reduces surgical trauma, speeds up recovery, and gives a better cosmetic result.
If the base of the diverticulum is wide, there are inflammatory changes, or ectopic mucosa or a tumor is suspected, a segmental small bowel resection with an intestinal anastomosis is performed.
Postoperative treatment follows the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)*.
When is surgery needed?
Resection is performed for:
- Meckel's diverticulitis
- intestinal bleeding
- intestinal obstruction
- intussusception
- perforation of the diverticulum
- tumors of Meckel's diverticulum
- an incidentally found diverticulum in patients at high risk of complications
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- a symptomatic diverticulum
- acute complications
- bleeding
- inflammation
- a suspected tumor
- a wide diverticular base that does not allow a simple diverticulectomy
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
After the small intestine is explored, the diverticulum is mobilized and its base is assessed.
Depending on the situation, the following is performed:
- laparoscopic or open diverticulectomy
- segmental small bowel resection with an intestinal anastomosis
If a tumor is suspected, the operation follows oncological principles.
The removed specimen is sent for histopathological examination.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery
- Performed laparoscopically whenever possible
- Less surgical trauma
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of wound complications
- Shorter hospital stay
- Better cosmetic result
Recovery after surgery
Postoperative treatment follows *ERAS* principles.
In most cases, patients quickly resume eating and physical activity. The length of the hospital stay depends on the type of operation and on whether complications were present before treatment.
Our advantages
- Extensive experience in laparoscopic small bowel surgery
- A commitment to laparoscopic surgery
- Individual choice of the optimal extent of surgery
- Maximum preservation of healthy bowel
- Treatment of both planned and emergency conditions
- Enhanced recovery program (ERAS)
- A multidisciplinary approach to complex clinical cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. An asymptomatic diverticulum does not necessarily have to be removed. The decision is made individually, taking into account the patient's age, the features of the diverticulum, and the risk of complications.
Yes. In most cases, we aim to perform resection of Meckel's diverticulum laparoscopically.
Segmental resection is performed when the diverticular base is wide, or there is marked inflammation, bleeding, ectopic mucosa, a tumor, or damage to the adjacent segment of the small intestine.
Yes, but this is very rare. Neuroendocrine tumors, adenocarcinoma, or GIST can develop in a diverticulum, so the removed specimen is always sent for histopathological examination.
After a laparoscopic procedure, most patients return to everyday activities within *2--3 weeks, whereas recovery after open surgery may take 4--6 weeks*.