Diverticulitis Treatment in Rochester, NY

Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons are specialists in the treatment of Diverticulitis

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. If you are experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis, contact Rochester, Colon & Rectal Surgeons, P.C. to discuss your diagnosis and treatment. To meet with one of our colorectal surgeons, please call (585) 222-6566 to schedule an appointment at one of our six colorectal surgery centers in Rochester, NY

What Are the Symptoms of 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 Rochester Colon & Rectal Surgeons to set up a screening.

What Are the Risk Factors of Diverticulitis?

Some of the risk factors that can lead to increased chances of diverticulitis include the following:

Smoking

Studies have shown that people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop diverticulitis than people who do not smoke.

Age

The chance of experiencing diverticulitis increases with age, usually over the age of 40

Lack of Exercise

Frequent exercise can lower the risk of developing diverticulitis

Obesity

Not only can being overweight dramatically increase the chances of developing diverticulitis, but it also can add complications to the surgery

Diet

While not the biggest factor, a diet that’s high in animal fat and low in fiber can possibly increase chances of experiencing diverticulitis.

How is Diverticulitis Treated?

Mild diverticulitis may be cured by changing diets and rest or minor medical treatment like draining the abscess in the colon/abdomen, but more severe cases may require surgery. Usually less than 10% of people with diverticulitis need surgery and can be cured through the help of one of our colorectal doctors. However, severe cases that require surgery may involve:

• Repeated attacks of diverticulitis
• Fistula formation between the colon and adjacent organ
• An infected diverticula that spreads to other parts of the body
• Colon obstruction
• Severe bleeding

If you have a minor case where symptoms occasionally flare-up, you can also treat them with a proper diet for diverticulitis 

How is Diverticulitis Treated Surgically?

Multiple different surgeries can cure diverticulitis depending on each individual case. Usually, a partial colectomy is done to remove the diseased part of the colon and reconnect the reaming parts. In rare cases, multiple surgeries are needed in sequence to cure diverticulitis.