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Meckel's diverticulectomy - series

Meckel's diverticulectomy

Definition

Meckel's diverticulectomy is surgery to remove an abnormal pouch. This pouch is called a Meckel's diverticulum. It forms in the wall of the small intestine.

Description

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

• If you have open surgery, your surgeon will make a large incision (cut) in the right side of your lower belly to open up the area.
• Your surgeon will open your small intestine in the area where the pouch or diverticulum is.
• 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 incisions in your belly. The camera and other small tools will be inserted through these incisions.
• Your surgeon may also make an incision that is 2 to 3 inches long to put a hand through, if needed.
• Your belly will be filled with gas to open up the area. This gives the surgeon room to work.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

• Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Heart attack or stroke during surgery

Risks for this surgery are:

• Damage to nearby organs in the body
• Wound (incision) infections or the wound breaks open after surgery
• Bulging tissue through the incision. This is called an incisional hernia.
• The edges of your intestines that are sewn or stapled together (anastomosis) may come open. This may cause life-threatening problems.
• Scar tissue may form in your belly and cause a blockage in your intestines.

Review Date: 2/17/2009
Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.