From the Research
No, a person who has had their entire large intestine (colon) removed cannot develop diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a condition that specifically affects the colon, where small pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the colon and become inflamed or infected. When the entire large intestine has been surgically removed (a procedure called total colectomy), there is no colon tissue remaining where diverticula could form. Patients who have undergone total colectomy typically have either an ileostomy (where the small intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma) or an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (where the small intestine is fashioned into a pouch and connected to the anus). While these patients may experience other digestive issues related to their altered anatomy, such as changes in bowel habits, nutrient absorption challenges, or complications specific to their type of reconstruction, diverticulitis is not possible without a colon. If the patient is experiencing abdominal pain or digestive symptoms, these would be attributed to other causes that should be evaluated by their healthcare provider, as discussed in various studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Some of these studies focus on the treatment of diverticulitis, such as the use of antibiotics 1, 4, while others discuss the diagnosis and management of the condition 2, 3, but none of these are relevant to a patient who has had their colon removed. It's also worth noting that other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, may cause similar symptoms, but are distinct from diverticulitis 5. In any case, the patient's symptoms should be thoroughly evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.