Colon Cancer, Diverticulitis & Bowel Surgery
Diverticulitis
Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is when one or more of these pouches becomes inflamed or infected, often causing pain in the lower left abdomen, fever, and changes in bowel habits. Many episodes are treated without surgery.
Colon resection for diverticulitis
Surgery may be recommended for some patients, for example after repeated episodes or when complications develop, such as an abscess, a narrowing of the colon, or an abnormal connection (fistula). In a colon resection, the affected section of colon is removed and the healthy ends are reconnected. In some cases a temporary ostomy is needed; Dr. Tufts will discuss this with you before surgery.
Small bowel resection
A small bowel resection removes a section of the small intestine that is blocked, narrowed or damaged, and reconnects the healthy ends.
Colon cancer surgery
Surgery is the main treatment for most colon cancers that have not spread. In a colon resection (colectomy), Dr. Tufts removes the section of colon that contains the cancer along with nearby lymph nodes, then reconnects the healthy ends. Dr. Tufts works with your gastroenterologist, oncologist and primary care doctor on the rest of your care. Many colon cancers can be prevented or found early with screening colonoscopy; the USPSTF and the American Cancer Society recommend that adults at average risk begin screening at age 45.
How it's done
When appropriate, bowel surgery can be done with minimally invasive techniques through small incisions. Dr. Tufts will talk with you about which surgical approach fits you best.
Colon resections are primarily performed with the Da Vinci robot, with other approaches used as appropriate for each patient.
Where surgery is performed
Dr. Tufts operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits are at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.
We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Screening helps. Most colon cancers start as polyps, and removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent them from turning into cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
How is colon cancer treated with surgery?
The usual operation is a colon resection (colectomy): the surgeon removes the part of the colon with the cancer and nearby lymph nodes, then reconnects the healthy ends. Many operations can be done with minimally invasive techniques.
Will I need a colostomy bag?
Most colon resections reconnect the bowel, so a bag is not needed. Some patients need a temporary or, less often, permanent ostomy. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before surgery.
Will I need chemotherapy?
It depends on the stage of the cancer found after surgery. If more treatment is recommended, your surgeon works with a medical oncologist.
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis means small pouches have formed in the colon wall, which is common with age and often causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis is when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected.
Does everyone with diverticulitis need surgery?
No. Many episodes are treated without surgery. Surgery is considered for repeated episodes that affect your life, complications such as an abscess, blockage or fistula, or emergencies.
What should I eat?
During a flare you may be told to follow a liquid or low-fiber diet for a short time. Once recovered, a high-fiber diet is generally recommended. Current guidance does not require most people to avoid nuts or seeds.
Will I need a colonoscopy after diverticulitis?
Often, yes. A colonoscopy is commonly recommended after you recover, especially if you have not had a recent one, to check the rest of the colon.
Will I need a colostomy?
Most planned operations for diverticulitis reconnect the bowel. Emergency surgery sometimes requires a temporary ostomy that can often be reversed later.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tufts
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.