Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the digestive tract, which are small pouches that form commonly after the age of 40 and usually don’t cause problems. However, the inflammation or infection of one of these pouches can lead to many complications and symptoms such as:

Diagnosing Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis has to be diagnosed by a physician. Usually it is diagnosed through a colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray. Of course, there are some common symptoms that may indicate Diverticulitis such as:

• Constant and persistent pain in the abdomen, usually on the lower left side
• Fever Nausea
• Constipation
• Blood in stool

If you are experiencing these symptoms across multiple days, contact Piedmont Colorectal Associates to set up a screening.

Treating Diverticulitis

Mild Diverticulitis may be cured by changing diets and rest, but more severe cases may require surgery.

da Vinci Robotic Diverticulitis Surgery

Unlike open surgery which involves large abdominal incisions, da Vinci minimally invasive robotic surgery just makes a few small incisions. The physician will then insert a special wristed instrument that can bend and allow the doctor to operate very precisely and remove the affected diverticula. The benefits of robotic Diverticulitis surgery include:

• Low blood loss
• Quick return of bowel function
• Quick return to a normal diet
• Low rate of complications
• Short hospital stay
• Minimal scarring

If you have any questions about the treatment of Diverticulitis or to set up an appointment, call Piedmont Colorectal Associates at (404) 351-7900