Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the walls of your colon, the lower part of your large intestine. Sometimes, these diverticula become inflamed or infected leading to a condition known as diverticulitis. It is a common condition, especially after age 40, and seldom causes problems.
The exact cause of diverticulitis is unknown, but one cause that it's attributed to may occur when stool lodges in the openings of diverticula, prompting the pouches to swell. Swelling can make the wall of the pouch thinner, allowing bacteria from the bowel to infect the lining of the cells.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Risk Factors
These factors increase your risk of developing diverticulitis:
Treating Diverticulitis with Diet Modifications and Medication
The most important thing after being diagnosed with diverticulitis is to take rapid action and to follow your doctor’s instructions. Treatment could be as simple as making dietary changes and taking medications.
If you have a mild case of diverticulitis, it may be treated with a temporary liquid diet and oral antibiotics. Severe cases of infection may need hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Once your colon has rested and the inflammation has resolved, you’ll start increasing the high-fiber foods in your diet.
The Procedure - Colorectal Surgery
If other treatments for diverticulitis do not control the inflammation and infection, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical treatments for diverticulitis often involve minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery.
Minimally invasive colorectal surgery can help you recover quicker and minimize disruption to nearby tissue and organs. These techniques use sophisticated tools and advanced technology to carry out procedures through the smallest necessary incision.
Are You a Candidate for Colorectal Surgery?
Contact us to find out how our award-winning surgery team can help you recover from diverticulitis.
