Our Summary

This research paper looks at a rare problem called jejunal diverticulitis, which can cause stomach pain and is often missed by doctors. The paper looks at the experiences and treatments of eight patients with this condition.

The patients were aged between 55 and 87, with an average age of 72.1 years. Most of them had a sealed perforation, which is a hole in the organ that has closed up on its own. Only one patient had air in their abdominal cavity (pneumoperitoneum), which is often a sign of a rupture in the abdominal organ.

All the patients were initially treated without surgery, but one patient had to have surgery due to complications from the diverticulitis. Two of the patients (25%) had recurring episodes of the condition.

After leaving the hospital, all the patients had a colonoscopy, which is a procedure used to look at the colon. This revealed that all the patients had diverticulosis in their large bowel.

The patients were followed up for an average of 8.2 months.

The study concludes that jejunal diverticulitis can be initially treated without surgery, but if the disease gets complicated, surgery may be needed. More research is needed to understand the link between diverticulosis in the small and large bowel.

FAQs

  1. What is jejunal diverticulitis and how common is it?
  2. How is jejunal diverticulitis typically treated and when is surgery required?
  3. What is the relationship between small and large bowel diverticulosis according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about diverticulitis surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet, and attending follow-up appointments. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients with jejunal diverticulitis may be recommended surgery if they have complicated disease, such as a perforation that cannot be managed conservatively, recurrent episodes, or other serious complications. Surgical management may also be considered in cases where conservative treatment has not been successful in resolving symptoms or preventing further episodes. It is important for physicians to carefully evaluate each individual case and consider the potential risks and benefits of surgery in order to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for the patient.

Timeline

  • Before surgery: The patient may experience symptoms of acute jejunal diverticulitis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. They may be admitted to the hospital for treatment, which may include antibiotics and bowel rest. Diagnostic tests such as CT scans and colonoscopy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the disease.

  • After surgery: In cases where surgery is necessary, the patient will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the affected portion of the small intestine. Recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the overall health of the patient. Post-operative care may include pain management, antibiotics, and monitoring for any complications. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and address any recurring symptoms or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of diverticulitis surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after diverticulitis surgery?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after diverticulitis surgery?
  4. What type of surgery will be performed for my diverticulitis?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery for diverticulitis?
  6. Will I need a colostomy or ileostomy after diverticulitis surgery?
  7. How likely is it that my diverticulitis will recur after surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of diverticulitis surgery in treating the condition?
  9. How many diverticulitis surgeries have you performed in the past?

Reference

Authors: Horesh N, Klang E, Gravetz A, Nevo Y, Amiel I, Amitai MM, Rosin D, Gutman M, Zmora O. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2016 Aug;26(8):596-9. doi: 10.1089/lap.2016.0066. Epub 2016 May 16. PMID: 27182822