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What to Expect After You Have Had Surgery for Diverticulitis?

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), diverticulitis affects about 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40, and Blue Shield of California says less than six of 100 people will need surgery for diverticulitis.

  1. Time in Hospital

    • You can expect to be in the hospital for four to eight days after surgery for diverticulitis, according to the Oregon Surgical Specialists.

    Food and Beverage

    • According to the NDDIC, you will not be permitted to eat or drink for a few days after diverticulitis surgery.

    Tubes

    • For the few days you are in the hospital, the doctors may place a tube in your stomach through your nose. The NDDIC says this sucks the air and juices out of the stomach.

    Postoperative Ileus

    • According to the Oregon Surgical Specialists, diverticulitis surgery causes postoperative ileus, "a temporary paralysis of a portion of the intestines preventing food or drinks from moving forward."

    Post-Surgery Diet

    • Oregon Surgical Specialists says with the guidance of your doctor you will maintain a soft diet for two to eight weeks after surgery. Soup, yogurt and bananas are examples of some of the foods you can eat.

    New Symptoms After Surgery

    • It is imperative you call your doctor if any new symptoms occur. Fever, wound drainage, severe pain, weakness, swelling or infection are symptoms listed by the NDDIC.

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