Is It Necessary To Have Surgery For Perforated Diverticulitis?

Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015

Question: I was discharged from hospital Wednesday. I have minor perforated diverticulitis. I consulted with surgeon in hospital and am meeting with him next week. He explained that my perforation is "encased"(I think that was the word) and I will take meds to heal and then have "elective" surgery in 3 - 4 weeks. He explained complications if I don't. I am very positive and ready for surgery. My question: How is my perforated diverticulitis "encased" or protected until surgery? I can find nothing online. Everything involves emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis. I am not anxious and trust my surgeon. Just trying to be more informed .

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Small Peforations get sealed spontaneously

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

Not all diverticular perforations need surgical intervention
Between 70-82% abcesses following diverticular perforations and which are less than 5 cm in size can be managed conservatively very well

Planned surgery is advised to prevent further reoccurance of the episodes

Apart from the fact that planned surgery has less morbidity than emergency surgery

Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar