Diverticulitus

My late husband suffered most of his life with diverticulitis for which he was eventually admitted to hospital as he had a bowl obstruction.  After a few days his bowel ruptured (6 pm in the evening) but he was not operated on until 11.30 pm that same day.  He had to wait four and a half hours in dreadful pain.  Unfortunately he died a few days after this operation because of septicemia.  What I would like to know is this wait of four and a half hours acceptable

[Morecambe]

It is very hard to answer your question - I underwent a total colectomy five years ago and I was made aware that infection from any fluids that may have leaked from inside the intestines into the abdomen was a serious risk - but that this was counteracted by the administration of strong antibiotics.

Probably the hospital may comment that the intervening period was the shortest time in which they could organise the operation/blood matching etc etc.  But I would also ask them whether, from the moment they suspected of the rupture, there was any delay in antibiotics administration.

I send you my sincere sympathy.

regards
Morecambe