Diverticulitis Surgery

Small pouches in the wall of the large intestine (colon) are called diverticula. These pouches become increasingly common as we age.  In fact, if you are over 40, you have about a 10% chance of diverticulosis which is the condition of having diverticula. If you are over 60, you have almost a 50% likelihood of having diverticulum in your colon.

If digested food or fecal matter becomes lodged in the diverticula and become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. This can lead to complications such as bleeding, perforations, or blockages and require immediate attention to prevent serious illness.

Colon Resection

In serious cases where frequent diverticulitis occurs, surgery may provide the best option for relief.  Where possible, Bradenton Surgical Group uses minimally invasive techniques to remove the affected part of the colon and join the remaining sections. This procedure is called a colon resection.

Surgery may also be used to treat the complications of diverticulitis such as abscesses, intestinal blockage, bleeding, perforation or fistulas.

What to expect from your surgery for diverticulitis