Diverticulitis happens when small pouches in your digestive tract, known as diverticula, become inflamed. Diverticula often become inflamed when they get infected.

Diverticula are usually found in your colon, the largest section of your large intestine. They usually aren’t harmful to your digestive system. But when they get inflamed, they can cause pain and other symptoms that can disrupt your daily life.

Diverticulitis surgery is usually done if your diverticulitis is severe or life-threatening.

A person will undergo this surgery under general anesthesia, which means that they will be unconscious.

The right surgical technique depends on the location of the diverticulitis in the colon, the individual’s overall health, and a surgeon’s comfort and experience.

Common types of diverticulitis surgery include:

Laparoscopic surgery

This is minimally invasive, and typically requires 3 to 5 small cuts in the abdomen, while traditional surgery involves one large incision.

Colon resection

This is the most common type of surgery for diverticulitis. A surgeon cuts into the colon, removes the damaged pockets or pouches, then reattaches the remaining segments of the colon.

The surgeon may reattach the colon to the rectum or create a colostomy. A colostomy is a small hole that allows stool to exit through the stomach and requires the person to use a colostomy bag.

While people usually prefer not to have a colostomy, reattaching the colon to the rectum can fail and require subsequent surgery.

Loop ileostomy

This also involves removing the infected segment of colon. The surgeon will then create a temporary hole in the abdomen for waste to pass through, using a piece of the small intestine. This passageway is called a stoma.

A few months later, the surgeon will remove the stoma and reconnect the intestines, allowing stool to pass normally.

Loop ileostomy can be a good alternative for people who want to avoid having a colostomy. However, because it involves two surgeries, it carries a higher risk.

Laparoscopic washout

Laparoscopic washout is a newer technique. A surgeon will examine the stomach and colon, drain any swelling and pus, and wash the abdomen. This can kill the infection, prevent the abdomen from swelling, and remove the need for a resection.

This technique is common among people with an infection or hole in the colon. However, because laparoscopic washout involves leaving the damaged portion of the colon in the body, the risk of future attacks is increased.

Before undergoing diverticulitis surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure with a doctor. It may also be helpful to get a second opinion.

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Best Regards
Jessica Watson
Managing Editor
Clinical Gastroenterology Journal