Diverticular Disease is a condition that occurs when small pouches develop in the large intestine; this is usually caused by diets that lack fiber and include high fat. Most patients complain of pain in their lower abdomen and may develop a fever. Diverticular is a common disease, and risks increase with age. It’s usually treated with antibiotics; although, in extreme cases, it may require emergency surgery. To prevent this disease, it’s important to include fiber in your diet, drink plenty of water and exercise
Dr. Madhavi Jordan
Dr. Madhavi Jordan is a board-certified physician who practices out of Northside’s Canton and Woodstock offices. She specializes in minimally invasive techniques, as well as robotic surgery. She received her residency in general surgery at Abington Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania, and she is an active member of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Jordan has extensive experience in a variety of surgical procedures and offers the latest technology to her patients.
What is diverticular disease?
Diverticular disease affects the out-pouching of the inner lining of the large intestine, also known as the colon. The disease can be described as hundreds of little balloons lining the colon, which are four times thinner than the surrounding tissue. Diverticular disease develops during youth and increases with age; 60% of patients ages 60 and older have this disease.
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is the presence of multiple out-pouching of the colon mucosa. When a person develops an infection of the diverticuli, they are considered to have diverticulitis.
What causes diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is prevalent in patients who have diets low in fiber, eat increased amounts of fat or red meat, do not exercise, smoke and have a body mass index that is more than 25.
What can happen if you have diverticular disease?
Generally, a quarter of patients who have diverticulosis develop bleeding from their colon, pain from infection or perforation of the colon.
How can you prevent an episode of diverticulitis?
Preventative measures include increasing your fiber intake to 25-30 grams per day, maintaining daily exercise and drinking plenty of water.
What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?
It is common for patients to complain of pain in the left lower quadrant of their abdomen, along with fever and chills. Some individuals may have blood in their stool.
Do you need surgery for diverticulitis?
For patients with multiple episodes, surgery may be considered to avoid diverticulitis from returning. Surgery can reduce the likelihood of a patient developing a perforation, which can require emergency surgery. Emergency surgery typically cannot be performed laparoscopically or robotically, and may result in a colostomy.
A colostomy is a surgical procedure where the colon is rerouted through the abdominal wall and connected to the skin. Patients then empty waste directly from their colon into a bag attached to their skin. However, a colostomy is not permanent, and patients have their colon reattached in the future, but it requires two operations.
What is expected after surgery?
After elective colon surgery, patients are hospitalized for two to seven days, and the patient is monitored for complications from the operation. Time in the hospital and recovery time greatly depends on the time it takes a patient to return to normal bowel function.
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