Meckel's diverticulum secondary prevention

Post operative complications of Meckel’s diverticula include ileus, intra-abdominal abscess formation, pulmonary embolism, anastomotic leakage and intestinal obstruction due to postoperative adhesions. Treatment of complications such as intra-abdominal abscess and intestinal obstruction due to stenosis or adhesions is mainly surgical. The management of ileus is mainly supportive and the patient is kept NPO with nasogastric suction and parenteral feeds. Electrolyte levels need to be monitored and pharmacotherapy such as lactulose may also be administered to patients.

• Postoperative complications of Meckel’s diverticulum need to be managed:^[1][2]
  • Early post-operative complications include:
    • Ileus
    • Intra-abdominal abscess
    • Pulmonary embolism
    • Anastomotic leakage
    • Suture-line leakage
  • Late post-operative complications include:
    • Intestinal stenosis
    • Intestinal obstruction due to postoperative adhesions
  • Treatment of complications such as intra-abdominal abscess and intestinal obstruction due to stenosis or adhesions is mainly surgical.

• Treatment is mostly supportive
• Patient must be Nil per os (NPO or Nothing by Mouth)
• Nasogastric suction and parenteral feeds
• Discontinuation of offending agent is required
• Correction of electrolyte imbalances
• Pharmacotherapy:
  • Lactulose
  • Erythromycin
  • Neostigmine

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