Preparing for Diverticulitis Surgery

A diverticulitis surgery is a medical procedure in which the diseased part of your colon in removed. You may need to undergo this surgery, in case you –

• Experience recurrent attacks of diverticulitis (two or more attacks)
• Suffer from low immunity, putting you at a high risk of repeated attacks
• Have a fistula or an abnormal opening between the colon and a nearby organ, like the vagina, uterus or bladder
  

Diverticulitis surgery is a major operation and before you plan to go in for it, you need know as much as you can from your doctor about the preparation, possible complications, post-care and the recovery period. Before the surgery, you may need to undergo certain tests, which could include –

• A blood test
• A chest x-ray
• An electrocardiogram
  

Given below are a few important steps that should be followed while preparing for a diverticulitis surgery –

• Inform your doctor about any medication that you are taking or any other preexisting medical conditions that you may be suffering from

• Follow a clear liquid diet for one day before the surgery. Some of the liquids that you can have a day prior to the surgery include water, broth, clear fruit juice, gelatin, light tea and coffee. However, make sure that you stay away from alcohol.

• Have absolutely nothing, not even water or chewing gum on the night before your operation. Your tummy has to be absolutely empty.

• Make sure that you quit smoking as soon as you find out you need to undergo the surgery. Smoking can increase the risks of complications.

There are a few complications that may arise after a diverticulitis surgery, such as –

• Bleeding
• Coughing and shortness of breath 
• Draining from the incision site 
• Fever 
• Increasing, chronic pain 
• Jaundice or changes in the color of the skin 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Redness 
• Swelling and pain in the calf
  

Some of the complications that could arise are severe and require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency help if you experience –

• Change in mental status
• Severe bleeding from the incision site 
• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath 
• Persistent vomiting
  

After the surgery, you will probably be required to stay in the hospital for 4 to 7 days, so that your doctor can monitor your recovery. Once the doctors see that your colon is working and your body is healing, you will be allowed to go home. Arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital, as you won’t be able to drive back home. Also try to arrange for help at home, as you may not be in the shape to perform any household chores.

Since you may not be allowed to eat or drink anything for a few days, your body will be given fluids through a nasogastric tube. After you start passing gas, you will be put on to a liquid diet for a day or so. It is best that you follow a soft-food diet for around 2 to 8 weeks after the surgery.

You should start walking within a day or two after the surgery, so that your circulation and bowel movement return to normal sooner. Your doctor may advise you to practice breathing exercises to clear any fluid from your lungs and prevent pneumonia.

Once you go home, avoid any strenuous activity for about 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Your doctor may ask you to return to work around 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery, depending upon the type of operation you went in for as well as the type of work. While you can take a shower within a day or so after the surgery, stay away from baths and hot tubs. Make sure that you dry the area well after your shower.

One of the most important aspects of Diverticulitis surgery recovery is pain management. Speak with your doctor about the medicines you can take in case the pain gets too severe.

References:
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis
http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2010/dec-17a.html