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Partial Colectomy for Diverticular Disease
Surgery may be considered if a person with diverticulitis has:
- Repeated attacks of diverticulitis. Surgery to remove the diseased part of the colon often is recommended if you have two or more severe attacks.
- A high risk of repeated attacks (such as in people younger than age 40, or people with an impaired immune system).
- An abnormal opening (fistula) that has formed between the colon and an adjacent organ, most commonly the bladder, uterus, or vagina.
Surgery may be needed if a person with diverticulitis has complications, including:
- An infected pouch (diverticulum
) that has
ruptured into the abdominal cavity, especially if a pocket of infection (abscess) has formed. In some cases, an abscess can be
drained without surgery. (See the Other Treatment section of this
topic.) - An infection that has spread into the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
- A blocked colon (bowel obstruction) or a narrow spot in the colon (stricture).
- Infection that has spread through the blood to other parts of the body (sepsis).
- Repeated problems with bleeding or severe bleeding that does not stop with other treatments.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 26, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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