Diverticular Disease

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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