Perforated Colon

Our son (age 37) went to the emergency room with abdominal pain on July 5. They did a CT scan and he was diagnosed with diverticulitis.  He was put on Levaquin and told to see the doctor in about five or six days.  The night before he saw the doctor he developed a fever.  He called and was told to come in first thing in the morning.  He was sent to get another scan (they had him drink barium) and he was called and told his colon had perforated and to go straight to the hospital--he was told they may do surgery.  His white count was very high.  They put him on IV's of Levaquin and Flagyl.  He was in the hospital from Wednesday to the following Monday.  They did not do surgery.  He is having a coloscopy on Sept 7. Do you think that he will eventually need surgery when he has had an attack at this young age?  I am 64 years old (his mother) and I have had about 5 attacks of diverticulitis.  Can this be hereditary?
Thank you!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Although possible, I am not aware of a hereditary component to diverticulitis.

Depending on the location and severity of the perforation, surgery can be considered.  

If there are refractory, multiple or persistent cases of diverticulitis, that would be an indication for surgery.  

If this is a single episode that is adequately managed with antibiotics, surgery may be able to be held off.

These questions can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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