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Suggest Treatment For Severe Abdominal Pain, Tear In Colon And Diverticulitis
Question: My son is 51yrs old and he has been in the hospital since last Sunday. He went into the emergency with severe pain in his abdomen. He had acat scan. Diagnosed with diverticulitis, and an infection, also a tear in his colon. He has been in a great deal of pain. He's been on a drip for fluids, antibiotics and morphine for the pain. Last Wednesday he was given tea and toast, which gave him even more pain. He has not eaten anything else. Today he was to get only ice chips, but was given juice which gave him more severe pain. I'm very concerned that he may not be getting the proper treatment. The doctors have talked about an operation but keep saying they don't know when that will be. I'm not comfortable with what's been going on. His wife doesn't seem to be able to get the answers to her questions. Can you please tell me what should be done for my son? Thank you. XXXXXXX Zogfafos YYYY@YYYY .
Brief Answer:
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
diverticulitis may have variable severity. It could be just an inflammation of a diverticulum or it could be a diverticular abscess. The simplest cases are treated with antibiotics only (inflammed diverticulum or small abscess). Larger abscesses need drainage, either percutaneous or surgical. Rupture of the diverticulum may cause peritonitis which is a medical emergency and needs immediate surgical intervention.
Judging from your description I suppose it's a small abscess and a conservative treatment strategy has been adopted.
His doctors are the only ones who really know his condition and should be asked for the details. It's part of their duty to provide the information.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
diverticulitis may have variable severity. It could be just an inflammation of a diverticulum or it could be a diverticular abscess. The simplest cases are treated with antibiotics only (inflammed diverticulum or small abscess). Larger abscesses need drainage, either percutaneous or surgical. Rupture of the diverticulum may cause peritonitis which is a medical emergency and needs immediate surgical intervention.
Judging from your description I suppose it's a small abscess and a conservative treatment strategy has been adopted.
His doctors are the only ones who really know his condition and should be asked for the details. It's part of their duty to provide the information.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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