1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Meckel's Diverticulitis
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in diagnosing and treating Meckel's diverticulitis, a congenital pouch inflammation. With advanced imaging, personalized care, minimally invasive procedures, and dietary guidance, he ensures accurate diagnosis, effective relief, and faster recovery for patients.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Acid-producing tissue within the Meckel's pouch
Blockage from stool, food residue, or swallowed objects
Bacterial overgrowth or infection trapped in the diverticulum
Higher incidence in children and males
Positive family history suggesting a congenital tendency
Signs and Symptoms
Pain around the belly button or in the lower right abdomen
Low-grade fever accompanying the discomfort
Nausea, vomiting, or general digestive upset
Dark, tar-colored stools or frank bleeding
Abdominal bloating or a firm, tender spot in the lower belly
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Meckel's Diverticulitis with?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
She reviews your past symptoms, family history, and risk factors, then palpates the abdomen—especially the epigastric area and lower right quadrant—to pinpoint tenderness or rigidity.
Blood Tests
We check white blood cell count and C-reactive protein to detect infection or inflammation, and rule out other causes of abdominal distress.
Imaging Studies
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to confirm Meckel's diverticulum inflammation and exclude appendicitis or other intra-abdominal issues.
Ultrasound for children or pregnant patients to noninvasively visualize the inflamed pouch.
Meckel's scan (technetium-99m pertechnetate) to identify ectopic acid-producing tissue within the diverticulum.
Additional Testing (if needed)
In select cases, endoscopy or MRI is used to assess complications—such as bleeding or obstruction—or to rule out other gastrointestinal sources of epigastric pain.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Meckel's Diverticulitis.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Clear-liquid diet during flare-ups to rest the gut
Slowly add fiber once swelling goes down
Eat small, frequent meals to ease pressure on the intestine
2. Medications
Antibiotics to treat or prevent infection
Pain relievers such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen
Acid reducers if acid-producing tissue is present in the pouch
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Laparoscopic surgery to remove the Meckel's diverticulum through small incisions
Bowel resection to excise damaged tissue and reconnect healthy ends when necessary
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meckel's diverticulitis?
It's when a small pouch in your small intestine (present since birth) becomes inflamed or infected.
How is it different from other diverticula?
Meckel's diverticulum is congenital and located in the small intestine. Other diverticula form later and usually affect the colon.
What does a CT scan do?
It helps confirm the diagnosis, rules out appendicitis, and shows problems like blockages or abscesses.
Can diet help prevent flare-ups?
Yes. A low-residue or clear-liquid diet during a flare and a gradual switch to a fiber-rich plan afterward can reduce the risk of recurrence.
When do I need surgery?
Surgery is recommended for repeated flare-ups, bleeding, or intestinal blockages that don't improve with medication.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe?
Yes. It uses small incisions for less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared with open surgery.
How soon can I go back to work?
Most patients resume light activity within a week. Full recovery generally takes two to three weeks.
