Surgery for Diverticular
Surgery for diverticulitis involves removing the diseased part of the colon. You may decide to have surgery for diverticulitis if you have the following conditions:
A partially blocked colon or a small spot in the colon (stricture). Continues attacks of diverticulitis. Surgery to remove the diseased part of the colon often is advised if you have two or more severe attacks. A high risk of complications People younger than age 40 who have had an attack of diverticulitis have greater risks of complications. Repetition in bleeding from the colon. An abnormal opening (fistula) that has formed between the colon and an adjacent organ, most commonly the bladder, uterus, or vagina. Exhibiting symptoms of a possible cancer that cannot be determined by other tests. Removing the infected part of the colon, surgery for diverticulitis may be required if you have complications, including:
An infected pouch (diverticulum) that has ruptured into the abdominal wall particularly if a pocket of infection (abscess) has formed. In some cases, an abscess can be drained without surgery. An infection that has spread into the abdominal wall (peritonitis). Colon blockage (bowel obstruction). Infection that travel through the blood stream to other parts of the body (sepsis). Critical bleeding that does not stop with treatment given through an angiogram or colonoscopy.
Surgical treatment includes removing the diseased part of the large colon or doctors call it partial colostomy, reconnecting the remaining parts. Although it really depend on the severity and nature of the symptoms, more than one surgery may be needed to correct the problem. When multiple surgeries are needed, the person usually has a colostomy during the time between surgeries. A colostomy is a surgical operation in which the upper part of the colon is sewn to an opening made in the skin of the abdomen. Stool passes out of the body at this opening and into a disposable bag. The colostomy is usually removed and the intestine reconnected at a later time.
If you have multiple attacks of diverticulitis, surgery may be appropriate.
The survival rate is 99% for non-urgent (elective) surgery for diverticulitis. An emergency surgery has more risks.