Our Summary

This study looked at the surgical complications that can occur when patients undergo elective surgery for a condition known as diverticulitis. The researchers studied data from 1225 patients who had this type of surgery between 2010 and 2018. They found that patients who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a type of lung disease) or an abscess (a pocket of pus) at the time of surgery were more likely to experience minor complications. Patients who had symptoms such as difficulty breathing or sepsis (a serious infection) before surgery were more likely to experience major complications. They also found that poor nutrition and a higher score on a measure used by anesthesiologists to assess a patient’s health before surgery were significant predictors of complications. The researchers concluded that improving nutrition and managing the health conditions identified could help to reduce the risk of complications following surgery for diverticulitis.

FAQs

  1. What types of complications can occur during surgery for diverticulitis?
  2. What factors were found to increase the risk of complications during diverticulitis surgery?
  3. How can the risk of complications following surgery for diverticulitis be reduced?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about diverticulitis surgery is to work on improving their nutrition and managing any underlying health conditions before undergoing surgery. This can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the overall outcome of the surgery. Additionally, it is important for patients to closely follow their doctor’s pre-operative instructions and to communicate any concerns or symptoms they may be experiencing before the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended diverticulitis surgery are those who have recurrent or severe episodes of diverticulitis that have not responded to conservative treatments such as dietary changes, antibiotics, and rest. Surgery may also be recommended for patients who have complications such as abscesses, fistulas, or bowel obstruction. Additionally, surgery may be considered for patients with chronic diverticulitis that causes significant pain, discomfort, or quality of life issues. Ultimately, the decision to undergo surgery for diverticulitis is made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider after considering the individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health status.

Timeline

Before surgery:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms of diverticulitis such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
  2. Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient may be prescribed antibiotics and placed on a clear liquid diet to prepare for surgery.
  4. Patient may be advised to stop taking certain medications that could increase the risk of complications during surgery.

After surgery:

  1. Patient will be closely monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site, which can be managed with pain medication.
  3. Patient will gradually be allowed to start drinking clear liquids and then advance to a full liquid diet before transitioning to solid foods.
  4. Patient will be encouraged to walk and engage in light physical activity to aid in recovery.
  5. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of surgery is recommended for my diverticulitis?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of this surgery for treating diverticulitis?
  6. Will I need a colostomy bag after the surgery?
  7. How many times have you performed this surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery for my diverticulitis?
  9. What is the likelihood of my diverticulitis returning after the surgery?
  10. What steps can I take to reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Altinel Y, Cavallaro P, Ricciardi R, Ozben V, Ozturk E, Bleday R; Members of the Turkish Diverticulitis Study Group Collaborative; Aytac E, Bordeianou L. Journal: Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2022 May;68(5):591-598. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20211174. PMID: 35584480