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WHAT IS DIVERTICULITIS?
Diverticula are small pouches that bulge out through weak spots in the wall of the colon, most often in the lower left side (the sigmoid colon). Having them is called diverticulosis and is very common after age 50. Diverticulitis happens when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected, causing belly pain, fever and changes in bowel habits. Most attacks are treated without surgery, but surgery is the best option for complications or repeated attacks. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, our surgeons perform diverticulitis surgery with minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our board-certified surgeons, including Dr. Alexander Rose and Dr. Craig Morgenthal, treat diverticulitis from first evaluation to surgery and recovery, with a focus on minimally invasive colon surgery.
Planned surgery is usually done six to eight weeks after an attack has settled.
Before recommending surgery, we review your CT scans, colonoscopy and how often attacks affect your life.
WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED?
MILD DIVERTICULITIS
Most first attacks are mild and get better with rest, a liquid or low-fiber diet and, in many cases, antibiotics. Many people never have another attack.
REPEATED ATTACKS
Surgery may be recommended when attacks keep coming back, last longer, or affect your work and quality of life. The decision is made case by case rather than after a set number of attacks.
COMPLICATIONS
Surgery is usually needed for an abscess that does not heal with drainage and antibiotics, a hole in the colon (perforation), a narrowing that blocks the bowel, or a fistula, an abnormal connection to the bladder or another organ.
HIGHER-RISK PATIENTS
People with a weak immune system, such as transplant patients or those taking steroids, may be advised to have surgery sooner. Learn more about our colorectal surgery services.
WHEN TO GO TO THE ER
Seek emergency care for severe or worsening belly pain, high fever, vomiting, a hard swollen belly, or air or stool in your urine.
HOW THE SURGERY IS DONE
SIGMOID COLECTOMY
The most common operation removes the diseased section of the colon, usually the sigmoid colon, and joins the healthy ends together. Learn more about colectomy (colon resection).
LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY
Most planned operations are done through small incisions with a camera or the robotic system, which means less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life than open surgery.
EMERGENCY SURGERY AND COLOSTOMY
In an emergency, such as a perforation with widespread infection, the surgeon may remove the diseased colon and create a temporary colostomy (Hartmann procedure). The colostomy can usually be reversed three to six months later.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
You will usually have a colonoscopy to rule out other problems and a CT scan to plan surgery. Most patients do a bowel preparation the day before. See our guide to preparing for colorectal surgery.
IN THE HOSPITAL
Surgery is done under general anesthesia and usually takes two to four hours. You will walk and start liquids soon after. Our enhanced recovery (ERAS) program helps control pain and get the bowels moving. Most patients go home in two to four days.
EATING AFTER SURGERY
Start with liquids and small, easy-to-digest meals, then add solid foods as your bowels recover. Once you have healed, a high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids helps keep the colon healthy. Nuts, seeds and popcorn do not need to be avoided.
RECOVERY
Most people return to desk work in two to four weeks and avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks. After the diseased section is removed, diverticulitis rarely comes back in the same place.
OUR SURGEONS
Diverticulitis surgery at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Alexander Rose and Dr. Craig Morgenthal. Read when to see a colorectal surgeon.
DIVERTICULITIS SURGERY FAQS
When should diverticulitis be treated with surgery?
Surgery is recommended for complications such as a perforation, an abscess that does not heal, a blockage or a fistula, and for repeated attacks that affect your quality of life. Most single, mild attacks do not need surgery.
What surgery is done for diverticulitis?
The usual operation is a sigmoid colectomy, which removes the diseased part of the colon and reconnects the healthy ends. It is most often done laparoscopically or robotically.
Will I need a colostomy bag after diverticulitis surgery?
Most patients having planned surgery do not. A colostomy is more likely after emergency surgery, and it is usually temporary and reversed a few months later.
How long is recovery from diverticulitis surgery?
Most people go home in two to four days, return to desk work in two to four weeks and fully recover from surgery in about six to eight weeks. Walking every day, eating small meals and avoiding heavy lifting help you heal.
Can diverticulitis come back after surgery?
It is uncommon. New pouches can still form in other parts of the colon, but removing the diseased section greatly lowers the chance of another attack.
Do I need to avoid nuts and seeds?
No. Research has not shown that nuts, seeds or popcorn cause diverticulitis. A high-fiber diet, regular exercise and not smoking help lower the risk.
Does insurance cover diverticulitis surgery?
Surgery for diverticulitis is usually covered when it is medically necessary, but coverage depends on your plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
How do I schedule a consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: colectomy, colorectal surgery.
