Recovery From Diverticulitis Surgery

Diverticulitis surgery may be needed if you have abnormal bleeding, repeated attacks of diverticulitis or as prevention for colon cancer. It involves removing a diseased section of the large intestine and reconnecting the healthy sections of the colon; it is usually performed under general anesthesia.

When to Have Surgery

• Surgery for diverticulitis may be needed depending on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for milder symptoms.

Hospitalization

• The surgery will be performed in a hospital. After surgery, most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. During this time, you'll need extra rest and fluids to heal.

Antibiotics

• When you go home from the hospital, you will need to continue taking antibiotics for around a mont that your doctor prescribes to kill bacteria that causedinfection. Most patients take these antibiotics for around a month or so.

Avoid Certain Foods

• Your doctor will give you a list of foods to avoid temporarily. For most people, these include whole grains, vegetables and fruits. This is so your colon doesn't have to work too hard to process the food you eat.

Symptoms Improve

• As symptoms improve, you may resume your normal activities. This includes eating high-fiber foods as a part of your diet. Symptoms generally improve within a week after surgery.