Our Summary

This study looked at the risk of diverticulitis, a digestive disease, coming back after a preventative surgery called prophylactic sigmoidectomy. The researchers examined 364 patients who had this surgery between 2005 and 2019. They found that 7% of these patients had a return of diverticulitis after an average of 44 months following the surgery.

The risk of the disease returning was higher in patients who were younger than 50 and in those who had more than two episodes of diverticulitis before the surgery. If both of these risk factors were present, the disease returned in 18% of the cases.

This suggests that the preventative surgery might not be the best option for everyone, particularly for those under 50 and those who have had multiple bouts of diverticulitis.

FAQs

  1. What is the rate of recurrence of diverticulitis after preventative surgery?
  2. Who are at a higher risk of diverticulitis returning after preventative surgery?
  3. Is prophylactic sigmoidectomy recommended for all patients with diverticulitis, particularly those under 50 and those who have had multiple bouts of the disease?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering diverticulitis surgery is to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, especially if they are younger than 50 or have had multiple episodes of diverticulitis. It’s important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider and consider other treatment options before making a decision about surgery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber and staying hydrated can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended diverticulitis surgery include those who have recurrent episodes of severe diverticulitis that do not respond to non-surgical treatments, those with complications such as abscesses, fistulas, or bowel obstructions, and those with chronic symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. Additionally, patients who have a history of recurrent diverticulitis or who are at high risk for complications may also be recommended for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo surgery for diverticulitis should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before diverticulitis surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of diverticulitis such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and fever
  • Diagnosis of diverticulitis is confirmed through tests such as a CT scan or colonoscopy
  • Patient may be treated with antibiotics, pain medication, and a liquid diet to manage the symptoms
  • Surgery is recommended if the patient has recurring or severe episodes of diverticulitis that do not respond to conservative treatment

After diverticulitis surgery:

  • Patient undergoes prophylactic sigmoidectomy surgery to remove the affected part of the colon
  • Recovery time varies but typically involves a hospital stay and a period of rest at home
  • Patient may experience temporary changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor healing and discuss any concerns
  • Risk of diverticulitis returning after surgery is possible, especially in younger patients and those with a history of multiple episodes of the disease

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about diverticulitis surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with diverticulitis surgery?
  2. What is the likelihood of the diverticulitis returning after surgery?
  3. Are there alternative treatment options to surgery for managing diverticulitis?
  4. How long is the recovery process after diverticulitis surgery?
  5. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after surgery?
  6. How many times have you performed this surgery and what is your success rate?
  7. What is the expected outcome in terms of symptom relief and quality of life after surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term side effects or complications associated with diverticulitis surgery?
  9. How will my overall health and risk factors (such as age and previous episodes of diverticulitis) affect the success of the surgery?
  10. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or treatments in the future after having diverticulitis surgery?

Reference

Authors: Mathilde A, Mege D, Monsinjon M, Giacca M, Panis Y. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2023 Apr;25(4):757-763. doi: 10.1111/codi.16426. Epub 2022 Dec 4. PMID: 36464948