surgery for diverticulitis

[marcia711]

i am 65 years old and have had two severe bouts of diverticulitis in the past 9 months.  surgery has been recommended, but i have had a hysterectomy and gallbladder removal in the past.  is surgery appropriate even though there may be adhesions from the two prior surgeries?  thank you.


This discussion is related to Problems after surgery for diverticulitis.

[NYC2065]

I had surgery in March 2010 for diverticultis, Unfortunately, the first surgery had complications of leaking waste though the incision. Had a second surgery, that now inlcude wearing the colostomy, which I never wanted in first place, but it was necessary.  I lost 45 LBS as a result of the second surgery and was life threating. The second procedure had a 4 month recovery period.  Now the Third surgery to remove the colostomy bag. All is well now, but I had a tremendous 7 month battle with diverticultis.  I recommend to see your Doctor and have elective sugery if you have had 2 or more flair-ups.  My Primary doctor did not listen to me, even while he was giving me anti-biotics almost every 2 months.  By listening to him  I had to suffer. You know your body...Get another opinion if your Primary doesn't see it your way.  To-date, I have returned to work, and eating like crazy to gain my weight back. It's good to be able to finally cut the grass, wash the car, hang lights for the wife and most important enjoy happy hour.

[Sue357]

Hi.  I agree with Morecambe.  I had multiple attacks of diverticulitis and ended up having the surgery 6 months ago.  I did not want to do it, but the consequences of not having can be life threatening.  It was my first surgery and I am having some residual pain.  Surgeon is ordering CT and then may check for adhesions, but I think he is really doing for my peace of mind as when he examines me, he can not feel any "inflammatory changes" and thinks I am okay.  Take care and keep us posted.

[Morecambe]

May I refer you to a previous posting of mine:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

From this you can read a "blow by blow" account of the total colectomy operation which is probably similar to the operation that may be envisaged for your condition.

Then I would check with your surgeon whether my description is similar to what you would undergo.

Then I would suggest that you make up your mind as to whether you have the appetite to undergo this big operation weighing up the benefits of the cure, and the risks/odds of complications that you must ask your surgeon to describe to you honestly.

Lastly what are the risks of not having surgery.  Could the diverticula suddenly start to bleed (torrentially) as mine did?  This can be life threatening if you are not close to a hospital.

Take a written list of questions with you to the consultation so that you ventilate all your concerns especially those that may be relevant to your previous surgeries.

Good luck
Morecambe