Generally caused by a low-fiber, dehydrated diet, diverticulitis is characterized by hard, difficult-to-pass stools. For some patients, this condition is no big deal, easily treated with a few lifestyle changes. For others, however, more drastic issues may arise (especially if the condition is left untreated), such as symptoms of sepsis (chills, fever, abdominal pain). That’s when your colorectal specialist may decide to take more drastic action, and set you up for diverticulitis surgery.
We want to make sure you’re prepared for such a procedure, so here’s 3 tips to keep in mind.
What Is Diverticulitis?
This condition is very common, affecting about 3 million people every year. When hard stool becomes resistant to passing, it can become forced into pockets that bulge out the sides of the large intestine. This isn’t always painful, but it can definitely cause issues— trapped stool can ferment and elicit immune responses in the gut, causing inflammation, pus-buildup, and more internal issues.
Diverticulitis Treatment
There are a number of diverticulitis treatment methods that your gastroenterologist may recommend; it’s often most advisable to try adding fiber and more liquid to a patient’s diet before other therapies are attempted. If a rupture in the bowel occurs, antibiotics will likely be prescribed. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have repeated ruptures, perforation, or if you need to have a pustule drained.
Surgery for diverticulitis can be either laparoscopic (using small cuts, a special tube, and a small video camera to get the job done) or open (a six to eight inch incision) and will involve the removal of a portion of your colon— unless your surgeon is simply draining a pustule. You may, depending on how much bowel is being removed, need a colostomy bag after your procedure. Your surgeon will go over all of this with you prior to your surgery.
How To Prepare For Diverticulitis Surgery
First and foremost, take your doctor’s notes seriously. There will likely be factors specific to your individual situation they’ll want you to keep in mind. Beyond this, there are a few more things you can do to set yourself up for a smooth surgery and recovery!
1 - Follow Pre-Operative Instructions
Depending on how extensive your surgery will be, your surgeon may request that you fast for a set period of time and take laxatives to ensure that your bowels will be empty during surgery. Forty-eight hours is fairly standard, but some doctors may require more or less. If you don’t fast and take your laxatives, you run the risk of serious complications during surgery.
2 - Wear Comfortable Clothing
Since this is an invasive abdominal surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours. During this time, make sure that you are comfortable and have everything you need. When you come out of surgery, your abdomen will be very sore and it will be difficult to sit up and lie down. Make sure you’ve packed clothing that won’t agitate your incisions, or simply wear hospital gowns during your stay - it’s the perfect excuse to dress down for a couple days!
3 - Simplify Your Diet
Depending on your surgeon’s plans for resection, you may be leaving the hospital with a colostomy bag. This is a huge change to your life, and a pre-surgical fast might be the best time to reset and overhaul your diet. Start by cutting out sodas and other sugary drinks, then move on to foods that may cause issues with colostomy bags: dairy, fried food, very fatty food, sweet desserts, and foods that are very high in fiber.
Diverticulitis Surgery In Tampa
If you struggle with defecation and have any of these six signs of diverticulitis, don’t wait to see a specialist. We will work closely with you to see if lifestyle and diet changes will help you regain control of your bowels; if not, surgical options are offered right here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay. Get in touch to schedule a visit with one of our gastrointestinal specialists today!