How Is Diverticulitis Treated? Traditional, Alternative, and Surgical Options to Consider
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While uncomplicated diverticulitis may require only a brief doctor’s visit, complicated diverticulitis is a completely different ball game, and treatment isn’t as simple as a few days on a liquid diet.
“Complicated diverticulitis is defined by the presence of a more advanced disease, such as perforation, abscess, fistula, intestinal obstruction, or bleeding,” Bulsiewicz says. “Generally, those with complicated diverticulitis will be hospitalized, and there’s a much higher likelihood of requiring surgery to fix the issue, although not always.”
Here’s what you can expect treatment-wise if you’re diagnosed with a more serious case of diverticulitis.
1. Intravenous Antibiotic
If you can’t keep fluids down or if you have a weak immune system, your doctor may recommend being admitted to the hospital.
You’ll receive antibiotics intravenously while in the hospital, which involves connecting a tube to your vein. Intravenous therapy is effective because medication gets into your bloodstream and begins working faster.
2. Surgery
If diverticulitis progresses, your doctor may start discussing the possibility of surgery.
“There are two scenarios when surgery is considered as treatment for diverticulitis. First, if there’s a perforation, abscess, fistula, or intestinal blockage, it may be necessary to perform surgery in order to correct the problem,” Bulsiewicz warns. “In this setting, diverticulitis is usually so severe that there is little choice but to proceed with surgery.”
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