Colonoscopy unsuccessful due to diverticulitis, next step.

Good morning. I experienced the same situation two years ago. Failed colonoscopy due to stricture/ diverticulosis in sigmoid colon. GI doc ordered a virtual colonoscopy (ct scan) of colon. Results showed stricture. in addition the GI doctor ordered Barium study of colon. Meeting with surgeon followed. Elective Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy 19cm (7-8inches) recommended. Post surgery 19 months and doing well. Good luck & God Bless!

Did you need a stoma bag? If so, for how long? Also, what was your age at the time?

72 years old at the time of surgery. Did not need a stoma.

Thanks for taking the time to write. Obviously, I’m a a little anxious about this, expecially at 77. They’re making an appt with a second surgeon for his opinion and this gives me some insight in what to expect and courses of action. Did you still have to do the prep for the CAT scan?

Did you have robotic surgery for your resection?

Why were you having the colonoscopy?

What was the reason you were having the colonoscopy?

5 year checkup, had a couple of polyps last time

I see. I was reading about your experience, as I await my colonoscopy schedule for April. I may try to move it up.

I had good screening colonoscopy in 2020 with no polyps and recommended that I wait 10 years for next one, and it seems I recall something about diverticulosis. Not sure. Trying to find the report. That might have been my mom who had that. But, I also had internal hemorrhoids, which surprised me. No symptoms. 1 external.

Anyway, after a year of constipation, and trying all kinds of treatments, I’m awaiting a diagnostic colonoscopy. I’ve recently had slight cramping on left side of rectum. Very mild and gastro recommended Anusol, I suppose thinking it’s internal hemorrhoid, though no bleeding. I’m now concerned it’s diverticulitis issue causing the pain. And, will a colonoscopy be possible? Could that much damage occur in only 4 years? I have had zero stomach pain…just that spasm inside the rectum. I guess I’ll find out soon enough. Fingers crossed.

Ref. Your situation,
I think I might get another opinion, as your surgeon suggested, though I have no experience with this condition. What are the risks?

This must be very stressful for you. I have complete faith in the doctor who did my first colonoscopy and she’s set to do my next one. Fingers crossed again.

Please post what you decide to do.

The waiting/not knowing is the hard part.