Meckel scan

Downloads

For most essential points to best prepare for the procedure, please download the patient information brochure (PDF).
For a more elaborate explanation of the procedure and related points, please continue to read ahead.

Brief introduction

Principle

Meckel's diverticulum is a tubular outpouching from the wall of small intestine. It is present at birth ('congenital'), and is the most common congenital anomaly of the digestive system. Meckel's diverticulum is present in ~2% of population, and in that complications occur in 4 - 6% of cases. So, in most cases Meckel's diverticulum is either not discovered, or even if discovered, nothing needs to be done in response.

Possible complications of Meckel's diverticulum include bleeding, obstruction, inflammation and perforation.

The mucosa (inner most lining) of Meckel's diverticulum can function like that of other organs ('heterotopic mucosa'). Most commonly the mucosa cells behave similar to the stomach (50% cases) and pancreas (5% cases). Meckel's diverticula with stomach or pancreas-like function are more likely to develop complications because of acid content (produced by stomach) and erosive proteins (called 'enzymes' produced by the pancreas).

The radiopharmaceutical (RP), i.e., the radioactive drug used for scanning procedure (i.e., 'pertechnetate') is taken up more avidly by the thyroid cells and stomach mucosa cells compared to rest of the body. As most of the the Meckel's diverticula cases express cells with stomach-like functions, they also selectively take up pertechnetate, which is what allows for its detections.

Although complications related to Meckel's diverticulum can manifest in adults, patients are most commonly young children of < 2 years' age.

Indications (conditions in which advised)

Unexplained blood in stool in children.
Unexplained abdominal pain in children.

Considerations / steps before procedure

Prior appointment is a must.
Patient must not be pregnant.
If the patient is breast feeding a child, please inform the staff for further directions.
Please let the staff know at the time of appointment if the patient is unable to lie still for ~20 min, has breathing difficulty, or might need special medical attention for the duration of visit.
Have at least half litre water within an hour before reporting for the scan.
There is no need to hold urine.
Fasting. (a) Infants (children < 1 year-age): 2 hours' fasting is preferred (if feasible). Clear fluids can be given in the period. (b) Older children and adults: 4 hours' fasting.
Medications - if any - prescribed by your doctor are to be had as per schedule.
Wear loose-fitting but warm clothes.
Do not bring expensive jewellery or accessories along with you for the scan.
Proof of doctor's request is necessary for starting the procedure.
The patient must be accompanied by a responsible carer.

What to expect as part of procedure?

Important steps

Patient registration and consent.
Handing over medical documents to the staff.
A very small volume of pertechnetate is injected into an arm vein while the patient is lying on the scanner bed. The first scan acquisition takes 10 min.
3 to 5 additional scans (lasting 2 to 5 min each) are acquired for up to 1 hour.

Discomfort / risks during procedure

Pain during injections or IV cannula insertion.
There is risk of extravasation at the time of injections or IV cannula insertion. [Extravasation means that blood leaks through the walls of vein punctured by cannula’s needle].

Time taken for the entire patient visit

Typical: 2 hours.
Be prepared for: 3 hours.

What to expect after procedure?

Precautions / special care

Maintain at least 1 metre-distance from pregnant ladies and children (below 10 years) for at least 5 hours after the scan.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day (3 to 4 litres).
Pass urine as frequently as possible throughout the day.

Discomfort / risks

There are no remarkable expected risks or side effects.

Time taken for report / summary generation

Typical (for self-paying patients): 12 hours.
Be prepared for: 24 hours.

Additional reading

For additional information, please visit the following links.

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