Diverticulitis
What is diverticulitis?
Common Questions
What is diverticulitis?
Infection of a small outpouching called “diverticula” of the colon.
Who needs surgery for diverticulitis?
Usually diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics or drainage, however if it is severe or happens very often some people require surgical removal of the diseased portion of their colon.
What symptoms do you have with a “diverticula attack” ?
Symptoms include: nausea, fevers, vomiting, left lower quadrant pain (above the left groin) , diarrhea.
Diverticulitis Surgery
restore normal bowel function when less invasive treatments are not effective.
Common Questions
What can I expect before surgery?
Before surgery typically patients are asked to eat nothing before midnight, and may need to hold certain medications before surgery
What can I expect during surgery?
Surgery typically takes less than two hours, and the surgeon usually utilizes a small camera, and small surgical instruments to perform the procedure.
What can I expect after surgery?
Your incisions will be closed with surgical glue, and will fall off on its own. The incisions have multiple layers of sutures that will dissolve. No heavy lifting after surgery for 4 weeks, and ok to shower after surgery. Typically you will stay the night in the hospital, sometimes two nights.
