Questions and Answers
My Husband suffers from Diverticulosis Disease. Tests have found several diverticuli. Can you tell me how the surgery is done? Am I correct in assuming that they are removed from the intestin in their various areas and that the intestin are then suchered back together. My husband is concerned that he will have to have a temporary colostomy while the intestin are healing. Is that always the case?
In the simplest case, the offending segment of the colon is removed and the colon rejoined ... no further surgery is required unless complications occur ... in more complex cases, for example if an abscess has to be drained as well as resection of the colon, a second operation will be required - in the meantime a temporary colostomy will be established until the second operation to reconnect the colon is carried out ... the delay between operations may be only a few weeks, or it might be several months if the patient needs time to overcome infection and build up strength.
By the way, you mention 'diverticulosis' rather than
'diverticulitis' - the former is a very common condition, about half of
those over 60 have it, and for most people it is not a problem - among those
who are found to have diverticula,only about 20% develop diverticulitis, and
of those, only a small number will have serious complications.
Hope this is of some help.
Best wishes to you both.