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Diverticular Disease

Diverticular Disease

Luciano Fiszer, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon based in Miami and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Diverticulosis is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases in the United States today, with as many as 35 percent of people over the age of 60 having developed it. To put it bluntly, diverticulosis is pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the large intestine. Diverticulosis develops over time, usually after a person reaches 30. These pouches are small sac-like protrusions that extend in the lining of your large intestine, most often in the sigmoid colon and rectum, but they may occur anywhere within this section. This condition is called diverticulitis when these pouches become inflamed or infected.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is relatively painless, presenting symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, fever, and constipation. Left untreated, prolonged episodes of diverticulitis can lead to a more severe condition called diverticulosis colitis or abscess. When the infection spreads from the lumen of your colon walls to its lining, it can cause adhesions (abnormal tissue growth) in your intestinal wall. It can lead to more severe complications like ruptured internal abscesses, peritonitis (the infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity), sepsis (blood poisoning), and even death.

Treatment Options for Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis may be asymptomatic but can also be a sign of underlying diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. If you have been diagnosed with diverticulosis, there are many things you can do to prevent problems. For starters, your diet is essential. It would help if you aimed for a diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. You should eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid junk food. A high-fiber diet will help reduce the risk of developing diverticular disease. The second thing you need to do is practice a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol. Thirdly, you should avoid taking stool softeners that may delay your colon’s natural peristaltic movements, eventually worsening the condition. Finally, if you have diverticulosis, you should see a physician at the early stages of its development to prevent more severe problems.

How Dangerous is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. When the infection spreads to the lining of your colon wall or colonic tissue and then spreads to other sites within your body, it can lead to severe complications. And not only are chronic diverticulitis episodes harrowing and uncomfortable, but they may also cause long-term abdominal pain and symptoms like chronic diarrhea or constipation.

Complications of Long-term Diverticulitis
Long-term complications of diverticulitis include an increased risk of colon cancer, liver cancer, kidney failure, bladder cancer, and even cardiovascular disease. Suppose you have recurrent diverticulitis attacks and the abscesses rupture and spread throughout your body. In that case, it can lead to sepsis, a severe condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

Surgery for Diverticulitis
Surgery for diverticular disease is usually a last resort, reserved only for those who suffer from chronic debilitating or life-threatening complications due to their condition. People with severe diverticulitis are generally operated on, as open surgery is the most effective treatment for this disease. Contrary to popular belief, diverticulitis can be successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery, even in cases where the colon has perforated, and pus has gotten into the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is increasingly becoming viable for treating severe diseases like diverticulitis because it presents several advantages over traditional open surgery. It is usually safer for the patient because it is minimally invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and results in less pain and scarring. The patient is put under general anesthesia and positioned on their side in laparoscopic surgery. Two small viewing devices, called laparoscopes, are inserted into your body through small incisions in the abdomen or through one single “bikini-line” incision at the base of your belly button. The surgeon will then use these laparoscopes to view the affected area while performing other procedures using special instruments inserted into your body via other small openings.

Recurrence of Diverticulitis?
Despite advancements in medicine over the years, it is still difficult to predict whether a person will have further episodes of diverticulitis after surgery or not. However, research studies show that it may be possible to prevent additional attacks by taking certain precautions in your diet and lifestyle post-surgery. A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables will go a long way to preventing further complications. You should also avoid taking stool softeners that may delay your colon’s natural peristaltic movements, eventually worsening the condition. Finally, if you have diverticulosis, you should see a physician at the early stages of its development to prevent more severe problems.

Dr. Luciano Fiszer is one of the best surgeons in Miami. He has many years of experience treating patients and offering them advanced laparoscopic surgery to treat their diverticulitis and other conditions like diverticulosis. If you and your doctor decide he is the right surgeon for you, then you should contact him immediately to make an appointment. As one of the most experienced surgeons in America, Dr. Fiszer offers his services to all his patients without any bias or prejudice toward anyone because he understands the importance of having a personal relationship with his clients.

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    Over 20 Years of Experience Helping Thousands of Happy Patients

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    Elite Surgical Miami strives to be most sought out General Surgery practice in Miami using a combination of the latest technology while focusing on the patients best interests physically and emotionally.

    Our patients come first. Our staff and surgeon are here for you and will provide you with the absolute best in surgical care and more. Elite Surgical Miami | General, Reflux, & Bariatrics is here for you.
    Comfortable Care

    At Elite Surgical Miami our mission is to first and foremast make sure our patients are educated and treated with the utmost respect.

    You want the best surgeon. Dr. Luciano Fiszer-Adler, is proficient in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery and uses advanced surgical technologies. Offering the best in professionalism in the heart of is Elite Surgical Miami.
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    Dr. Fiszer performs these procedures using the most advanced surgical technologies.

    Dr. Luciano Fiszer, MD, Board-Certified General Surgeon is provided expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery in the South Florida area.
    Trusted Doctors

    Dr. Fiszer has been in medical practice for over 10 years, providing expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.

    General Surgeon Miami General Reflux, & Bariatrics Surgeon Miami
    Happy Patients

    At Elite Surgical Miami we make sure that the patient gets the best care professionally and emotionally, a combination we pride ourselves on.

    "I had the gastric sleeve with Dr. Fiszer a few weeks ago and it was the best experience I could have hoped for. He was caring and attentive to all my questions, offered information when there were things I didn't ask that I would need to know and the procedure itself was so so much better to recover from than I could have hoped for. I would (and will) highly recommend him to anyone and everyone that is looking for a surgeon. He also did an endoscopy on me a few months earlier and I had an equally good experience for that procedure. A+++ in my book!"

    - Alejandra Martin, Patient

    "Dr Fiszer and his staff are wonderful. He is a very knowledgeable, kind, caring, and concerned physician. He answered all of my questions and even answered questions I did not know I had. I was very hesitant about having any type of bariatric surgery. Dr. Fiszer helped me choose which procedure was best for me and when I decide on the gastric sleeve I felt well informed and comfortable with my decision. I would highly recommend him to anyone without reservation."

    - Kristin Volz, Patient

    "Dr. Fiszer is an amazing doctor. His bedside manner is impeccable and his desire to make you feel safe is one of the main reason I will always seek him out for any future surgery. His medical expertise is next to none. Dr. Fiszer performed emergency surgery on my husband for an abscess last weekend and his treatment, compassion, love for his work and respect for his patients is the highest I’ve ever seen. I loved his treatment, courtesy and overall desire to help. God bless you Doc! You ROCK!!!"

    - Yoli Ferreiro, Patient

    Trusted Surgeon

    Dr. Fiszer performs these procedures using the most advanced surgical technologies.

    Dr. Luciano Fiszer, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in bariatric /weight-loss surgery and surgical procedures of the digestive tract. Dr. Fiszer has been in medical practice for over 10 years, providing expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.

    abou us 2 3 General Reflux, & Bariatrics Surgeon Miami
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