After the Procedure:

Most people stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days if there are no problems after surgery. During this time:

• Doctors and nurses will carefully monitor you.
• You will receive medicine to relieve any pain.

You will receive fluids and nutrition through an IV (a tube that goes into a vein) at first. You will have this IV until your doctor or nurse can hear bowel sounds. These sounds mean your bowels are active again. Passing gas or having a bowel movement is a sign of bowel activity. Once this happens, you can starting eating by mouth.

You may have a tube through your nose into your stomach. This is called a nasogastric tube. It will empty your stomach and relieve the nausea and vomiting.

You may need to take antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection.

You will need to follow up with your surgeon 7 to 10 days after surgery for testing.

Outlook (Prognosis):

Most people who have a Meckel's diverticulectomy have a good outcome. But the results of any surgery depend on your overall health. Talk with your doctor about your expected outcome.