What is Diverticulitis?
What is Diverticulitis?Diverticulosis is a benign condition that results in out-pouching of the colon wall. It often causes no symptoms and is found during a screening colonoscopy. No specific treatment for diverticulosis is needed as long as it causes no symptoms. If the diverticula become infected, this condition is called diverticulitis. The typical symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain (usually the left lower abdomen) and fever. Initial treatment for diverticulitis includes antibiotics and bowel rest with a liquid diet.
Diverticular Disease Treatment Options
Surgery is recommended for patients who suffer from complications of diverticulitis (perforation, abscess, strictures or narrowing) and for patients who have repeated attacks of diverticulitis. Surgery for diverticulitis involves removing the affected segment of the colon and attaching the ends of the colon back together. Often these surgeries are done in a minimally invasive fashion, using a laparoscopic or robotic approach and small incisions to lessen discomfort and hasten recovery.