Treatment for Diverticulitis

Treatment for diverticulitis involves putting the patient on broad-spectrum antibiotics and resuscitation by IV fluids. A diet that reduces bowel activity is prescribed on discharge from the hospital. After the colon is given enough time to heal, a diet high in fiber is advised.
Surgery may be necessary in acute cases where medication is not helping the patient. It can be elective or part of a medical emergency. When the intestine is ruptured resulting in infection, a surgery becomes inevitable. There are two procedures commonly followed during surgery. They are:

Primary bowel resection: The ruptured or diseased segments of the intestine are removed and reconnected with the healthy part of the intestine. It can be done laparoscopically or through colectomy after taking into consideration the medical condition of the patient.
Bowel resection with Colostomy: This surgery is undertaken only in very severe cases where rejoining the rectum and colon is too risky due to extreme inflammation of the intestines. The procedure involves making an opening in the wall of the abdomen and bringing the colon outside so that the waste can be removed. Once the inflammation is completely gone, the patient goes through another surgery in which the rectum and the intestine are rejoined thereby reversing the colostomy. It is most often a temporary measure but can be permanent if the infection is very severe.