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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Proceed With Surgery For Recurrent Diverticulitis And An Intestinal Abscess, Despite Concerns About Possibly Needing A Colostomy Bag?

I have been in the hospital for three times in the last 4 months for diverticulitis and an abscess on my intestines they put a drainage it was pus still coming out but they removed it in a week I ve been out for another week today I feel symptoms and pain again they wanted to do surgery but they trying to avoid me having a colostomy bag before the surgery I have to get a colonoscopy in 5 weeks please advise
Mon, 4 Nov 2024
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

When recurrent diverticulitis leads to complications like abscesses, it can be very challenging. Surgeons often try to avoid a colostomy bag (a stoma) unless absolutely necessary. The decision depends on factors like the location and extent of inflammation, the severity of the abscess, and the risk of infection spreading during surgery.

Delaying surgery allows time for the inflammation to subside, which may increase the chances of doing a primary resection and anastomosis (removing the diseased part of the colon and reconnecting the healthy parts without a colostomy).

Recurrence of symptoms like pain could indicate that the diverticulitis is flaring up again, or that there might still be residual inflammation or infection. To me, you need to adjust antibiotic treatment, As if need, an additional drainage might be required. So, I think it is a must to keep close contact with your gastroenterologist to re-evaluate your problems and decide for best treatment strategy.

Meanwhile, it is very important to follow a low-fiber or clear liquid diet to allow your intestines to rest. You should use any prescribed medications for pain, but avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they can irritate the digestive tract further.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician
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Should I Proceed With Surgery For Recurrent Diverticulitis And An Intestinal Abscess, Despite Concerns About Possibly Needing A Colostomy Bag?

Hello, When recurrent diverticulitis leads to complications like abscesses, it can be very challenging. Surgeons often try to avoid a colostomy bag (a stoma) unless absolutely necessary. The decision depends on factors like the location and extent of inflammation, the severity of the abscess, and the risk of infection spreading during surgery. Delaying surgery allows time for the inflammation to subside, which may increase the chances of doing a primary resection and anastomosis (removing the diseased part of the colon and reconnecting the healthy parts without a colostomy). Recurrence of symptoms like pain could indicate that the diverticulitis is flaring up again, or that there might still be residual inflammation or infection. To me, you need to adjust antibiotic treatment, As if need, an additional drainage might be required. So, I think it is a must to keep close contact with your gastroenterologist to re-evaluate your problems and decide for best treatment strategy. Meanwhile, it is very important to follow a low-fiber or clear liquid diet to allow your intestines to rest. You should use any prescribed medications for pain, but avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they can irritate the digestive tract further. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician