When Is Surgery Needed for Diverticulitis? A Complete Guide for Patients
Diverticulitis is a common yet often misunderstood gastrointestinal condition. While most people can manage it with medication and lifestyle changes, some may eventually require surgery to prevent serious complications. At MISH Hospital, our expert surgical team is here to help patients make informed decisions about their colon health.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, this guide will help you understand what the condition is, when surgery may be necessary, and what to expect from surgical treatment.
What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a complication of a condition called diverticulosis, where small pouches (diverticula) form in the walls of the colon, typically in the lower left side (the sigmoid colon). These pouches can become inflamed or infected — that’s diverticulitis.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis Include:
Persistent lower abdominal pain (usually on the left side)
Fever and chills
Bloating or gas
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Most people with mild diverticulitis respond well to antibiotics, rest, and dietary modifications. However, when the disease becomes recurrent, severe, or leads to complications, surgery may be necessary.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Diverticulitis?
Surgery is not the first line of treatment — but in certain situations, it becomes the safest and most effective option.
Common Reasons for Surgery:
Recurrent Episodes: If you’ve had more than two severe attacks of diverticulitis, especially if they required hospitalization.
Complications:
Abscess (a pus-filled infection)
Perforation (a hole in the colon wall)
Fistula (an abnormal connection between the colon and bladder, vagina, or skin)
Bowel Obstruction
Failed Medical Management: Ongoing symptoms despite antibiotics and lifestyle changes.
Chronic Inflammation: Constant pain or colon narrowing due to scarring.
Concerns About Colon Cancer: Sometimes symptoms and imaging findings overlap with cancer, and surgery may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Types of Colon Surgery for Diverticulitis
The type of surgery depends on the severity of the disease and whether it’s done urgently or electively.
1.
Elective Sigmoid Colectomy
What it is: The diseased portion of the colon (usually the sigmoid colon) is removed, and the two healthy ends are reconnected (anastomosis).
Approach: Can be done laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or with robotic assistance, resulting in smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
Hospital stay: Typically 3–5 days.
2.
Emergency Surgery
In cases of perforation, abscess, or obstruction:
The surgeon may perform a two-stage procedure:
First, remove the diseased colon and create a temporary colostomy (a bag on the outside of the abdomen).
Later, reconnect the colon in a second surgery (colostomy reversal).
Emergency surgeries carry higher risk and longer recovery, which is why timely elective surgery is often encouraged after multiple attacks.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery Timeline
Hospital stay: 3–7 days depending on the procedure and patient condition.
Return to normal activities: Usually within 4–6 weeks for laparoscopic cases.
Diet: Clear liquids immediately post-op, gradually advancing to regular low-fiber, then high-fiber as healing progresses.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, risks include:
Bleeding
Infection
Anastomotic leak (rare)
Adhesions or future obstructions
Hernia at incision site
At MISH Hospital, we use advanced techniques to reduce these risks and ensure patients have strong support throughout recovery.
Why Choose MISH Hospital for Diverticulitis Surgery?
Expertise in minimally invasive and robotic colon surgery
Low complication and readmission rates
Collaborative care between GI specialists and surgeons
On-site nutrition counseling and post-op education
Personalized recovery plans to fit your lifestyle
The Bottom Line
If you’ve had repeated episodes of diverticulitis or are facing complications, surgery may offer the long-term relief you need. At MISH Hospital, our board-certified team ensures every patient receives expert care in a compassionate, supportive environment.
Don’t wait for the next painful flare-up. Contact MISH Hospital today to schedule a consultation and learn if surgery is right for you.