Inquiry Regarding Sigmoid Colon Surgery
Hello everyone, I'm a 30-year-old male in generally good health. In October 2025, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis, which led me to the emergency room where I received antibiotics and was placed on a low-fiber diet; this initially appeared to resolve the issue. However, by January, I found myself back in the ER due to a repeat incident of diverticulitis. I've been on antibiotics for the last month while continuing the low-fiber diet and have lost 25 pounds, but fortunately, the pain has diminished somewhat. Today, after reviewing my CT scan results, I was informed by my doctor that my sigmoid colon remains infected and inflamed. He expressed that the antibiotics and dietary adjustments aren't effective and suggested that I consult a surgeon. I have a meeting scheduled for next week. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and wonder if there are any options other than surgical removal. While I’m not entirely against the procedure, I have concerns about the possibility of needing a colostomy bag and the risk of losing additional sections of my colon in the future. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Both of my diverticulitis episodes were uncomplicated, and notably, the second was less severe than the first.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 5:10:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re understandably anxious about the situation with your diverticulitis and the potential recommendation for surgery. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some actionable steps to consider:
Main Points:
- You’ve had recurrent diverticulitis and are experiencing ongoing issues that haven't resolved with antibiotics or dietary changes.
- Surgery, while a possible solution, may evoke concerns regarding complications or lifestyle changes, such as the use of a colostomy bag.
Explanation:
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon become inflamed or infected. Recurrent episodes can happen, and if conservative treatments (like antibiotics and diet) aren't resolving the inflammation, surgery may become necessary. The most common surgical procedure is a sigmoid colectomy, where the diseased part of the colon is removed. While a colostomy bag may be a concern, it is not always required and is generally temporary if used.
Next Steps:
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Understand Your Options: Prepare for your upcoming meeting with the surgeon by researching surgical options and outcomes for recurrent diverticulitis. Ask specific questions about the procedure types they are considering and what they would recommend based on your situation.
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Discuss Concerns: Be open about your fears regarding surgery and a potential colostomy bag. A good surgeon will address these concerns and provide detailed information about the likelihood of needing a colostomy and any alternatives available.
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Consider Dietary Changes: While a low-fiber diet is common during flare-ups, talk to your healthcare provider about gradually reintroducing fiber after recovery, as a high-fiber diet may help prevent future episodes of diverticulitis.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms and note what alleviates or worsens them. This could provide valuable insights for both your current management and discussions with your surgeon.
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Seek Support: Reach out to support groups or forums for others dealing with diverticulitis. Connecting with individuals who have faced similar decisions can provide emotional support and practical advice.
It’s perfectly normal to have concerns about surgery and its implications. Take the time to gather information and express your worries during your consultation. You are being proactive about your health, which is an important step forward.
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