Diverticulitis Explained:
Diverticulitis can be defined as a condition in which swelling or inflammation causes abnormal pouches or protrusions to form on the wall of the large intestine, or colon. Pressure within the intestinal wall causes these bulging pouches or sacs referred to as a diverticulosis.
This condition is common in the United States, mainly due to our lack of adequate dietary fiber. The disease is more likely to be found in individuals over forty and is seen in over half of patients over the age of sixty. The danger of diverticulitis occurs when a diverticulum ruptures. It then can become infected, bleed and cause abdominal pain and even colonic obstruction.
Diverticulitis Symptoms and Diagnosis:
Diverticulitis can only be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, since many of the symptoms of diverticulitis mimic other conditions. If you are here in Florida, consult our trained professional staff to seek out your diagnosis or diverticulitis treatment.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include the following:
- Sharp, sudden abdominal pain that may feel like appendicitis, although it will occur on the left side instead of the right
- The pain fluctuates in severity and increasingly worsens
- Fever, nausea, abdominal swelling or tenderness, constipation or diarrhea
- Less common symptoms include difficulty passing urine, vomiting, or rectal bleeding
In order to rule out the possibility of other medical conditions with similar symptoms, a computed tomography (CT) scan and blood tests are generally performed.
If you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, the first route of treatment often includes antibiotics, rest and changes in eating habits.
Diverticulitis Diet Changes:
There are basically two types of diets used for diverticulitis sufferers. For those who are currently experiencing an infection, a low-residue diet, consisting of ten grams of fiber or less, should be followed. This type of diet decreases the frequency of bowel movements and allows the infection to heal.
Foods to definitely avoid during a flare up include all seeds and nuts, corn products and spicy foods. Low-residue foods that will assist the healing process include refined white bread products, Cheerios, white rice, noodles, grapes, melons, canned fruits, celery, lettuce, well cooked meat and eggs.
Once the infection has passed, you should switch to a high-fiber diet that promotes a healthy digestive system.
Diverticulitis Surgery:
Most individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis will not need surgery to keep their condition under control. For those who must look to surgery as an option, our medical staff is here to help you.
Diverticulitis surgery involves removal of the diseased portion of the lower intestine and reconnection of the remaining portion. If the disease has caused certain conditions or repeated bouts with severe symptoms, surgery may be a viable option for you. Instances when surgery is suggested include:
- An infected or abscessed pouch that has ruptured
- A spreading infection caused by the disease
- Colon blockage or obstruction
- Severe bleeding
- Possible signs of cancer
Diverticulitis Surgery Without Complete Colon Removal
Of course, our medical professionals prefer minimally invasive procedures (MIP) whenever possible and fortunately, MIP has recently become an option for the treatment of diverticular disease.
Laparoscopic surgery is proven to be as effective and successful as open surgery, while providing the patient with huge benefits over traditional methods. The benefits include a much shorter hospital stay coupled with a shortened recovery period. Less pain is involved when using minimally invasive procedures and there is less scarring as well.
When considering surgical procedures for the treatment of diverticulitis, it is important that you weigh out your options and choose the procedure that will be most beneficial to you. Minimally invasive procedures are always superior to traditional open surgical methods.
Consult with Dr. Belizon at www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com to learn more about the advanced technology and high level of care that our staff can provide you with.
