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Jul 02, 2023

Second Surgery for Diverticulitis - Healing Time and Scar Concerns?

This topic is about someone preparing for their second surgery related to diverticulitis. The surgery involves removing another diseased section of the colon and reversing a colostomy by reconnecting the remaining colon to the rectum. Understandably, the person is feeling anxious about the upcoming procedure and is seeking advice on what to expect, especially regarding recovery time and whether the surgeon will use the same incision as before.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. **Overall Difficulty**
- Many found the reversal surgery more challenging than the initial ostomy surgery. This often meant longer hospital stays, more pain, and a slower recovery process.
- There is a possibility of experiencing severe postoperative ileus, with one person mentioning a stay of 10-12 days in the ICU.

2. **Incision and Scarring**
- Typically, surgeons will reopen the same mid-line incision. However, this can slow down skin healing.
- If the incision is reopened multiple times, a plastic surgeon might later improve the scar for better cosmetic and healing results.

3. **Bowel Function and Accidents**
- It might take weeks for the body to signal the need for a bowel movement, leading to unexpected accidents.
- It's helpful to have baby wipes, diaper cream, and consider using adult diapers, especially during sleep, in the early stages of recovery.

4. **Mobilization**
- Walking as soon and as often as allowed is beneficial. It helps stimulate intestinal activity and reduces the risk of complications.

5. **Adhesions and Further Surgery**
- Open procedures are believed to reduce the risk of adhesions, but one person needed three additional surgeries for partial obstructions caused by adhesions.
- Each subsequent surgery was reportedly tougher to recover from.

6. **Work and Activity**
- It's important to arrange for ample time off work. Returning too soon can be difficult, though manageable, especially if the job doesn't involve heavy lifting.

7. **Risk–Benefit Reflections**
- Some people find that the reversal allows them to return to a "relatively normal" life and feel it is worth it. However, others, after facing multiple complications, might have considered keeping the colostomy.

8. **Miscellaneous Cautions**
- PICC lines can sometimes lead to blood clots in the upper arm. If anticoagulation is needed, this should be factored into recovery planning.
- Full recovery of gut function can take a week or more, and this varies from person to person.
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