Is Diverticulitis Surgery Right for You?

For patients experiencing recurrent episodes of diverticulitis or those not responding to medical treatment, surgery may be recommended to prevent further complications and improve quality of life. Our surgeons carefully evaluate the severity and frequency of symptoms, considering factors like the presence of complications such as abscesses, fistulas, bowel obstructions, or perforations. These conditions can pose significant health risks and often require timely surgical intervention.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we prioritize patient safety and personalized care. Our decision-making process involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s overall health, age, and ability to tolerate surgery. We utilize advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scans, to obtain a detailed understanding of the condition, ensuring informed decisions regarding surgical options. Our team engages in open discussions with patients, weighing the risks and benefits of surgery while considering long-term management strategies, including lifestyle and dietary modifications, to minimize the recurrence of diverticulitis.

Our mission is to empower patients with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their health. The decision to proceed with diverticulitis surgery is a collaborative one, made with the patient’s specific medical condition and personal circumstances in mind. We are committed to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible outcome.

Choosing diverticulitis surgery at Phoenix Unified Surgeons offers several key benefits. One of the primary advantages is the potential for a permanent resolution of symptoms. For patients experiencing frequent and severe episodes of diverticulitis, our surgical interventions can relieve the abdominal pain, cramping, and digestive issues that often accompany this condition. By surgically removing the affected portion of the colon, we greatly reduce the risk of recurrence, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable and symptom-free life.

Our expertise in surgical care also helps prevent serious complications associated with diverticulitis, such as abscesses, fistulas, and colon perforations, which can lead to life-threatening infections like peritonitis. In cases where these complications are present, our surgical team provides critical intervention to prevent further health deterioration and ensure patient safety. Additionally, for patients who have developed strictures or obstructions due to repeated inflammation and scarring, our surgical procedures can restore normal bowel function, alleviating symptoms like constipation and bloating.

Furthermore, surgery can improve your nutritional status. Chronic diverticulitis can hinder nutrient absorption due to ongoing inflammation and bowel irregularities. By addressing the root cause with surgery, patients often experience enhanced digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to improved overall health and vitality. We also recognize the psychological benefits of surgery. The constant worry about flare-ups and their impact on daily life can be mentally exhausting. Successfully treating the condition surgically can relieve this anxiety, resulting in improved mental well-being and a more active, fulfilling lifestyle.

We understand that choosing surgery is a significant decision. While it involves recovery time, the long-term benefits can be substantial. Our patients typically experience marked improvements in their physical health and quality of life, making surgery a viable option for those who haven’t found relief through conservative treatment measures. We encourage you to discuss your specific condition and overall health status with our experienced healthcare provider Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, M.D., MBA, FACS, FASCRS, to determine the best course of action tailored to your needs.

For patients who have not found relief through conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be a viable option. Our skilled surgeons specialize in performing bowel resections, the primary surgical procedure for diverticulitis. This involves removing the affected section of the colon and reconnecting the healthy ends, which can be done through open surgery or utilizing minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy.

The goal of diverticulitis surgery at Phoenix Unified Surgeons is to excise the diseased portion of the colon, reducing the risk of future flare-ups and complications. By doing so, we aim to minimize the likelihood of new diverticula forming, thus significantly decreasing the chances of recurrent inflammation. Many of our patients report significant relief and a marked improvement in their quality of life post-surgery.

While surgery can greatly reduce the risk of future episodes, it is important to understand that it may not completely eliminate the possibility of diverticulitis reoccurring. Some patients may still develop diverticula in other areas of the colon, although this is less common. Therefore, the decision to proceed with surgery should be made after a thorough consultation with our experienced team, considering the frequency and severity of your diverticulitis attacks, your overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthier, more comfortable life by effectively managing your diverticulitis through expert surgical care and support. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230, Phoenix, AZ 85027. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.