Colon Surgery for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become inflamed. Diverticula are small patches present in the digestive tract. The inflammation of diverticula may be due to any infection. Diverticula are usually located in your colon, which is the largest portion of your large intestine. They are mostly harmless to your digestive system. However, after inflammation, these patches can disrupt your life due to pain and other symptoms. To learn more about Diverticulitis and Colon surgery, you should read this article completely.

When Should You Have Diverticulitis Surgery?

You may have diverticulitis if the patches in your colon are inflamed. Here are some causes and symptoms of diverticulitis:

• Stomach cramps
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach Pain
• Painful infections

Many people suffering from diverticulitis may not need surgery to recover. You can treat this condition with probiotics, fiber, and antibiotics. When you don’t see any reduction in symptoms, the doctor may recommend removing the infected part of the colon through surgery.

Surgery is only necessary when all the other treatments of diverticulitis fail, or on the other hand when a hole in the colon doesn’t react to alternative treatments.

If you are having an attack of acute diverticulitis, you need to be hospitalized. You may also receive pain medication or fluids intravenously before going for a surgery.

Diverticulitis surgery is a risky procedure. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), it is recommended that surgeons perform this surgery in the following conditions:

• Peritonitis is when the colon is ruptured and causing leaks to the abdomen or develops severe inflammation; this requires emergency surgery.
• When the swelling does not subside or becomes infected after draining
• When the symptoms are serious, and all the other treatments, such as antibiotics do not work.

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Types of Diverticulitis Surgery

There are two types of major surgery for diverticulitis:

1.    Bowel Resection (Primary Anastomosis)

The surgeon removes infected parts of the colon in this procedure, called a colectomy, and sews the cut ends together. After both the healthy pieces are joined, the surgery is over.

2.    Bowel Resection (Colostomy)

In this procedure, a colectomy is performed by the surgeon connecting your bowel with an opening present inside your abdomen (colostomy). The opening is known as a stoma. If you are suffering from excessive inflammation, your surgeon will perform a colostomy. A colostomy may be permanent or temporary, depending on how well you can recover in the next few months.

Each of the above surgery may take place by laparoscopically or by open surgery:

·       Open Surgery

Your surgeon will make a six to eight-inch incision on your abdomen and view the intestinal area.

·       Laparoscopic

Your surgeon will only make small cuts. He will then place small cameras or instruments in your body with the help of small tubes (trocars), which measure less than a centimeter.

Get Ready for Your Surgery

You doctor may ask you to take the following measures two weeks before surgery:

• Do not take medication that reduces the thickness of your blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil).
• If you are a smoker, do not smoke for a while, or if you are ready, quit smoking permanently. It is difficult for your body to recover from surgery when you are smoking.
• Wait for any existing cold, fever, or flu to break.
• You should replace your diet with liquids and take laxatives so that your bowels get empty.

When there are 24 hours to your surgery, you need to:

• Only drink water and any other clear liquid, such as juice or broth.
• Do not eat anything for up to 12 hours before the surgery.
• If your doctor suggests any medication, take it before surgery.

After the surgery, you should take some time off from your work or from any other responsibilities so that you may recover. Two weeks are enough for you to rest at home or in the hospital.

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Process of Colon Surgery

In order to perform colon surgery for diverticulitis, your surgeon will:

1. Cut three to five little openings in the region of your abdomen (for laparoscopy) or make a six to eight-inch opening to inspect your intestine and other organs (for open surgery).
2. Insert a laparoscope and other tools for surgery through the cuts (for laparoscopy).
3. Fill your stomach region with gas to make more room for the colon surgery (for laparoscopy).
4. Look at your organs to ensure there aren’t any other problems.
5. Find the part of your colon that is affected, cut it from the remaining part of your colon, and take it out.
6. Sew back the two parts of your colon together (primary anastomosis) or open a gap in your midsection or abdomen and join the colon to the gap (colostomy).
7. Sew up your entry points and clean the regions around them.

Conclusion

If you are feeling inflammation or pain in the colon region, kindly visit our clinic or contact us today.

LENOX HILL SURGEONS
646-846-1136
lenoxhillsurgeons@gmail.com