COLORECTAL CONDITION · CONDITION GUIDE
Diverticulitis
Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that develop in the colon wall — causing pain, fever, and potentially serious complications requiring surgical intervention.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula — small pouches that protrude through the colon wall — become inflamed or infected. Most commonly affecting the sigmoid colon, it presents with left-sided abdominal pain, fever, and change in bowel habit. Complications include abscess formation, perforation with generalised peritonitis, fistula to adjacent organs, and bowel obstruction. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi manages both acute complicated diverticulitis and chronic recurrent diverticulitis at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy is the definitive treatment for recurrent or complicated diverticulitis, removing the diseased segment and restoring bowel continuity with primary anastomosis in suitable patients.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Low-fibre diet leading to increased intraluminal colonic pressure
- Age-related weakening of the colonic wall musculature
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic constipation and straining
- Genetic predisposition in some individuals
- Chronic NSAID use associated with increased perforation risk
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Sigmoid colon in the majority of Western patients
Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy with primary anastomosis
Recurrent episodes, complicated disease, fistula, obstruction
Grades I–IV guide management from antibiotics to surgery
Return to normal diet in 4–6 weeks post-operatively
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Laparoscopic Sigmoid Colectomy
For recurrent or complicated diverticulitis, laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy removes the diseased bowel segment with small keyhole incisions and primary anastomosis. Dr. Grandhi performs this procedure electively after resolution of acute inflammation, achieving excellent outcomes with rapid recovery and a low complication rate.
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Assessment & Acute Management
CT abdomen and pelvis confirms the diagnosis and grades severity. Mild to moderate attacks are managed with antibiotics. Percutaneous drainage is used for accessible abscesses. Surgery is deferred until inflammation resolves.
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Elective Surgical Planning
Elective sigmoid colectomy is planned 6–8 weeks after resolution of acute inflammation. Colonoscopy is performed pre-operatively to exclude colorectal cancer within the diverticular segment.
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Laparoscopic Sigmoid Colectomy
The diseased sigmoid colon is resected laparoscopically with primary stapled anastomosis restoring bowel continuity. Hartmann’s procedure (resection with temporary colostomy) is reserved for perforated peritonitis.
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Recovery & Dietary Advice
Enhanced recovery with early oral intake and mobilisation. A high-fibre diet is recommended long-term to prevent recurrence. Hospital stay typically 3–5 days with return to full activity in 4–6 weeks.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
TreatmentOptions
Partial Colectomy
Laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon with primary anastomosis. Standard elective treatment for recurrent or complicated diverticulitis.
Primary Bowel Resection
Resection with immediate restoration of bowel continuity in appropriate patients with complicated diverticulitis.
Bowel Resection with Colostomy
Hartmann’s procedure — resection with end colostomy — for perforated diverticulitis with generalised peritonitis or haemodynamically unstable patients.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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