What is diverticulitis?
Believe it or not, millions of people live with diverticula - pouches that form in the lining of a person’s digestive system, and most commonly in the lower part of the colon - without even knowing that they are there. This is because diverticula are extremely common among people aged 40 and older, and for the most part, they don’t cause any particular problem. However, if they become inflamed or infected, they can begin to produce some notable, and annoying, symptoms, including:
- Continual abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Tenderness in the abdominal region
In most cases, diverticulitis is relatively mild and passes after a couple days of rest. Antibiotics may be prescribed in order to expedite recovery, and dietary changes may be recommended. However, the condition usually resolves on its own.
When does diverticulitis require surgery?
In its simplest form, diverticulitis does not require surgery. However, in its most severe form, it can cause complications that will require hospitalization and likely surgical intervention. These complications include:
- The formation of an abscess, or the accumulation of pus within the infected pouch.
- A blockage in the colon.
- The development of a fistula, or an abnormal passageway, between parts of the bowel or the bowel and the bladder.
- The rupturing of the infected pouch.
You may also require surgery if you have repeated episodes of diverticulitis, regardless of its severity.
At Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York, we offer laparoscopic primary bowel resection as a treatment option for diverticulitis. During this procedure, our surgeons carefully remove the diseased portions of your colon and then attach the healthy portions to one another. The procedure is performed through tiny incisions made in the abdomen, just below the belly button. Patients are able to return home within four days of the surgery, and they are generally able to return to their normal routines within two weeks. They emerge from the procedure feeling healthy and fit, free from the pain that limited their activities.
Learn More about Diverticulitis Treatment
To learn more about diverticulitis treatment, or to schedule your initial consultation at our surgical facility, please contact Laparoscopic Surgical of New York today.
