Question 1

how much quicker is the recovery time for laparoscopic colon surgery over open surgery? i have diverticulitis and my doctor mentioned that surgery is a very real possibility for me. i was researching surgeries and couldn't figure out what the recovery tim

Accepted Answer

The : The recovery time will vary from person to person and doctor to doctor. Typically, you can expect a hospital stay of 2-4 days  and recovery at home for a few weeks.  The difference between laparoscopic and open surgery is more related to the length of the incision and amount of pain.  I tell my patients, 3 days in the hospital, 2 weeks of soreness, 6 weeks before feeling normal.

Question 2

was given a scope test in colon area. it showed a stricture from earlier surgery 4  diver. do i need another test to find diverticulitis in same area?

Accepted Answer

More info helpful: A ct scan is very useful in diagnosing diverticulitis, without needing to undergo colonoscopy. Indeed, there are relative contraindications to performing colonoscopy when diverticulitis is active. Info that would be helpful in formulating a complete answer: 1) how long ago was your colonoscopy?  2) what symptoms are you experiencing?  3) what recommendations did you receive regarding stricture?

Question 3

had surgery to remove diverticulitis and a bladder fistula a year ago it hurts in my right pelvic area when i cough?

Accepted Answer

Get eval: Not sure if the pain is related to the previous years surgical site, or if your appendix is inflamed, etc.  With your symptoms and history, best to get a medical evaluation and some possible testing ordered to aid in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment if needed..  best wishes.

Question 4

have had 4 rounds of antib for diverticulitis shld i have reconnect surgery btw i am unfortunately an alchoholic which i'm trying to work on btw im 53?

Accepted Answer

Follow up with GI: Have you had a colonoscopy in between these episodes?
If not you must as it could be missing a abnormality .
Alcoholism has more to do with recurrent
pancreatitis rather than diverticulitis.
Talk to you gastroenterologist.

Question 5

is it possible for a diverticulitis rupture with an ostomy bag after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Possible: It only requires one pocket to leak to cause trouble.  Unless your surgeon resected all diseased segment (not recommended) it is possible to have recurrent infection-even rupture.  When was the surgery? It may be residual infection that will eventually clear.

Question 6

ive had about 5 episodes of diverticulitis since may....keeps returning monthly. does surgery mean a colostomy bag is necessary?

Accepted Answer

Probably not : It's likely that you won't need a colostomy. It depends, however, on which parts of your colon are involved. Usually the disease is most significant in the sigmoid colon. It can usually be removed and a new connection (primary anastomosis) created without the need for a colostomy. I'd suggest you see a surgeon, go over your imaging, and discuss the options.

Question 7

jan feb and mar 3 bouts of diverticulitis.  high fiber diet daily. help! it's ruining my life ? when is surgery required??? please advise

Accepted Answer

Persistent: Sounds like the diverticulitis has never fully healed. You may want to consider surgical therapy now to treat this once and for all. It's important to realize however, that one of the uncommon complications of surgery is the need for a temporary ostomy. While this risk is very low, it's not zero. See a colorectal specialist for a consultation. Hope this helps!

Question 8

i had a sigmoid colectomy in aug 2015 for recurrent diverticulitis--completely unremarkable surgery and recovery...except, i keep losing weight! i?

Accepted Answer

Colectomy: There is some weight loss following major surgeries but patients regain this weight after a while. If you don't you will have to see your doctor as there could be other reasons for weight loss at your age.

Question 9

follow up sigmoid coscopy after diverticulitis  showed stricture in the colon.is it possible to be treated with out surgery if it's not bothering me?

Accepted Answer

No: Stricture formed from scar tissue after the diverticulitis.  If it isnt bothering you and stool is passing through ok, then no treatment needed but watchful waiting.  If you start to develop blockage, then it is a surgical procedure, either with colonoscopy and dilation or surgical incision to widen.  Be aware that further diverticular episodes can worsen stricture and lead to blockage eventually

Question 10

when should i consider surgery for diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

Complications: Of all people who have diverticuli, only about 1% end up needing surgery.  Surgery is reserved for complications of diverticulitis including generalized peritonitis, chronic narrowing of the colon (stricture), and post-inflammatory connections between the colon and bladder or vagina (fistulae).  In addition, some people with many recurrent attacks opt for surgery.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

WHO PERFORM LAPAROSCOPIC DIVERICULITIS SURGERY IN THE BOSTON MA AREA

A member asked:

How much quicker is the recovery time for laparoscopic colon surgery over open surgery? i have diverticulitis and my doctor mentioned that surgery is a very real possibility for me. i was researching surgeries and couldn't figure out what the recovery tim

A member asked:

Was given a scope test in colon area. it showed a stricture from earlier surgery 4 diver. do i need another test to find diverticulitis in same area?

A member asked:

Had surgery to remove diverticulitis and a bladder fistula a year ago it hurts in my right pelvic area when i cough?

A member asked:

Have had 4 rounds of antib for diverticulitis shld i have reconnect surgery btw i am unfortunately an alchoholic which i'm trying to work on btw im 53?

A member asked:

Is it possible for a diverticulitis rupture with an ostomy bag after surgery?

A member asked:

Ive had about 5 episodes of diverticulitis since may....keeps returning monthly. does surgery mean a colostomy bag is necessary?

A member asked:

Jan feb and mar 3 bouts of diverticulitis. high fiber diet daily. help! it's ruining my life ? when is surgery required??? please advise

A member asked:

I had a sigmoid colectomy in aug 2015 for recurrent diverticulitis--completely unremarkable surgery and recovery...except, i keep losing weight! i?

A member asked:

Follow up sigmoid coscopy after diverticulitis showed stricture in the colon.is it possible to be treated with out surgery if it's not bothering me?

A member asked:

When should i consider surgery for diverticulitis?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?