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Medical treatments for diverticulitis
15% to 25% of people with diverticulosis will suffer, one day, from diverticulitis. Treatments for diverticulitis vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. The vast majority (about 85%) of people with diverticulitis can be treated without surgery.
Diverticulitis without surgery
Food. Follow the appropriate diet.
Medical treatments for diverticulitis: understand everything in 2 minutes
In the event of hospitalization, an infusion is set up, as well as an adapted antibiotic treatment. Feeding can only be resumed orally when the pain has completely disappeared under antibiotic treatment. At first, for 2 to 4 weeks, the diet should be residue-free, that is, fiber-free. Subsequently, once healing is obtained, the diet should instead contain enough fiber to prevent a recurrence.
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Medications. benefits antibiotics are often needed to control the infection. It is important to take them as prescribed to prevent bacteria from adapting and developing resistance to the antibiotic.
To relieve pain. benefits analgesics over-the-counter such as acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol®, Doliprane® or other) can be recommended. Stronger pain relievers are often needed although they can cause constipation and potentially make the problem worse.
Diverticulitis requiring surgery
Surgery is done if the diverticulitis is severe from the outset or complicated by an abscess or perforation, or if the antibiotic does not work quickly. Several techniques can be used:
The Resection. Removal of the affected part of the colon is the most common procedure used to treat severe diverticulitis. It can be done laparoscopically, using a camera and three or four small incisions that avoid opening the abdomen, or through traditional open surgery.
Resection and colostomy. Sometimes, when surgery removes the area of the bowel that is the site of the diverticulitis, the two remaining healthy portions of the bowel cannot be stitched together. The uppermost part of the large intestine is then brought to the skin through an opening in the abdominal wall (a stoma) and a bag is affixed to the skin to collect the stool. The stoma can be temporary, while the inflammation subsides, or permanent. When the inflammation is gone, a second operation connects the colon to the rectum again.