Most cases ofdiverticulitisare not complicated and will get better with treatment and not occur again.
Of people who have symptoms of diverticulitis, about 15% will have complications.
This article will discuss the potential complications of diverticulitis and how commonly they may occur.
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When Diverticulitis Is an Emergency
In some cases, diverticulitis can be a medical emergency.
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What Are Diverticulitis Complications?
Diverticular diseaseoccurs when you develop outpouchings (diverticula) in your colon.
Diverticulitis can cause various types of complications.
However, it is not always the best test to diagnose diverticulitis.
ACTscan is more accurate in diagnosing diverticulitis and can help avoid misdiagnosis.
Any surgery can lead to complications.
Resection orcolectomy surgery(removing all or part of the colon) to treat diverticulitis is no different.
These range in seriousness and include anything from postsurgical pain to death.
However, studies often frame an ostomy as a complication of diverticular disease.
In one study, elective surgery was sometimes used to avoid future complications that could lead to an ostomy.
However, there is still a small chance of a recurrence of diverticulitis within the five years following surgery.
The surgeon and their staff will be the best source of information on routine post-op care and follow-up.
However, some lifestyle changes may be recommended to help avoid a flare-up, as well.
Eating more dietary fiber is often recommended as a prevention method for diverticulitis.
Its not proven that a high-fiber diet will lower the risk of recurrence for everyone.
However, it is considered a good suggestion because it is unlikely to cause harm and may have benefits.
Red Flag Symptoms After Surgery
A certain amount of post-op pain is expected.
Other concerning symptoms include fever, bleeding, or heat or redness at the surgery site.
Co-Occurring Conditions in People With Diverticulitis
People who have diverticular disease may also have other health conditions.
They may be related to diverticular disease or be found during treatment or follow-up.
Co-occuring conditions include the following:
Colon Cancer
After diverticulitis has resolved, acolonoscopymight be scheduled.
During this procedure, a small percentage of people are discovered to have colon cancer.
Connective Tissue Disease
Diverticular disease appears to have a genetic component.
Diverticulosis (having diverticula without symptoms) is associated with certain inherited connective tissue disorders.
People may be more likely to have diverticulitis if they also have a connective tissue disorder.
This includesMarfan syndromeandEhlers-Danlos syndrome.
Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney diseasemay be associated with diverticular disease.
Long-Term Diverticulitis Complications
Most cases of diverticulitis are treated conservatively and dont cause any long-term problems.
There is not much information on how to avoid another flare-up of diverticulitis.
However, there is some general advice that is usually given that is thought to potentially reduce the risks.
Most people dont experience another bout of diverticulitis.
Summary
Diverticulitis is often treated at home and does not recur.
People with acute diverticulitis will want to seek treatment and follow up with a healthcare provider while recovering.
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