Our Summary

This study looked at the safety of laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive surgical procedure) for older adults with diverticulitis, a common digestive disease that causes inflammation or infection in the intestines. The researchers studied over 15,000 patients aged 65 and older who had surgery for diverticulitis between 2015 to 2019, comparing those who had laparoscopic surgery with those who had traditional open surgery. The results showed that patients who had laparoscopic surgery had less complications within 30 days of surgery, fewer surgical site infections, and a shorter hospital stay than those who had open surgery. The study suggests that laparoscopic surgery is a safe option for older adults with diverticulitis, including for emergency cases.

FAQs

  1. What is the safety of laparoscopic surgery for older adults with diverticulitis according to the study?
  2. How does the rate of complications compare between laparoscopic surgery and traditional open surgery for diverticulitis in older adults?
  3. Is laparoscopic surgery recommended for emergency cases of diverticulitis in older adults according to the research findings?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about diverticulitis surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet plan, and gradually increasing physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider. It is important to attend follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent future flare-ups of diverticulitis.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended diverticulitis surgery include those who have:

  1. Recurrent or severe episodes of diverticulitis that do not improve with conservative treatment
  2. Complications of diverticulitis such as abscesses, perforations, or fistulas
  3. Chronic symptoms such as persistent pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits
  4. Obstruction or narrowing of the intestines due to scarring from previous episodes of diverticulitis
  5. Patients who are at high risk for complications from diverticulitis, such as older adults or those with weakened immune systems

It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their diverticulitis.

Timeline

Timeline of patient experience before and after diverticulitis surgery:

Before surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of diverticulitis such as abdominal pain, bloating, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as CT scans and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis of diverticulitis.
  • Patient may be hospitalized for severe cases of diverticulitis and treated with antibiotics and other medications to manage symptoms.

During surgery:

  • If laparoscopic surgery is chosen, the patient undergoes a minimally invasive procedure in which small incisions are made for the insertion of a camera and surgical instruments.
  • The surgeon removes the inflamed or infected portion of the intestine and may perform additional procedures such as a colon resection if necessary.

After surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for complications and recovery.
  • Patient may experience pain, fatigue, and changes in bowel function in the immediate post-operative period.
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital once stable and given instructions for at-home care, including wound care, pain management, and diet modifications.
  • Patient follows up with their surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as directed by their healthcare provider.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with diverticulitis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of laparoscopic surgery for diverticulitis compared to open surgery?
  5. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic surgery for diverticulitis?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  7. Will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery, and if so, for how long?
  8. What type of pain management options will be available to me during and after surgery?
  9. How soon after surgery can I resume normal activities and work?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of following surgery for diverticulitis?

Reference

Authors: Braschi C, Liu JK, Moazzez A, Petrie BA. Journal: Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2022 Dec;407(8):3599-3606. doi: 10.1007/s00423-022-02695-2. Epub 2022 Sep 23. PMID: 36149492