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Diverticulitis

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What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a condition that develops when diverticula, which are small pouches in the intestine, become inflamed or infected. It is not unusual for people to have diverticula, especially after the age of 40. In most cases, diverticula do not cause any problems, but when diverticulitis develops as a result of inflammation or infection, people will experience uncomfortable symptoms.

What are symptoms of diverticulitis?

Since diverticulitis affects the intestines, it causes symptoms associated with gastrointestinal distress. Common symptoms of diverticulitis include:

  • Pain, typically in the lower left portion of the abdomen
  • Fever
  • Tenderness in the abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • In some cases, diarrhea

With symptoms of diverticulitis, abdominal pain may be constant and last for several days. Unexplained, persistent abdominal pain is a sign that you should seek medical treatment.

What causes diverticulitis?

According to experts, diverticula develop when pressure causes weak spots in the colon to give way. When these diverticula tear, it results in inflammation, and in some cases infection, leading to diverticulitis.

There are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing diverticulitis:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Being of older age
  • Taking certain medications, such as steroids or opioids
  • Eating a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber

How serious is diverticulitis?

In about 25% of cases, diverticulitis can cause complications. For instance, some people may develop abscesses, from pus collecting in the diverticula. Diverticulitis can also cause a blockage in the bowels as a result of scarring.

Another complication of diverticulitis is the development of a fistula, or an abnormal connection, between the bowel and other areas of the body.

In serious cases, diverticulitis can lead to peritonitis, which occurs when the diverticula rupture, causing material from the intestines to leak into the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is considered a medical emergency.

What is the treatment for diverticulitis?

The treatment for diverticulitis will depend upon the severity of the condition. If you have a mild case, you can likely recover at home. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat diverticulitis, but sometimes, the condition will go away on its own without medication. A doctor is likely to recommend a liquid diet until symptoms of diverticulitis improve.

More serious cases of diverticulitis are likely to require hospitalization to treat the condition. During a hospital stay, treatment for diverticulitis includes intravenous antibiotics, as well as a tube to drain the fluid from an abscess, if one has developed.

For people who have recurrent cases of diverticulitis, a weakened immune system, or complications like a bowel obstruction, surgery may be necessary to treat diverticulitis.

You can reduce your risk of diverticulitis and related complications by getting plenty of exercise and eating a diet that contains adequate amounts of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to drink plenty of water and to avoid smoking.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy

How serious is diverticulitis?

In about 25% of cases, people will suffer from complications with diverticulitis. These can include the development of abscesses, a bowel blockage, or an abnormal connection between the bowel and other body parts. In rare cases, it can cause a rupture called peritonitis, which is potentially life-threatening.

Are there ways to prevent diverticulitis?

You can reduce your risk of diverticulitis by practicing healthy lifestyle habits, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of exercise, and getting enough fiber in your diet.

What is the treatment for diverticulitis?

Treatment will vary based upon the severity of the condition. Some people may not need any treatment, whereas others will need to take antibiotics or follow a liquid diet. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Common Symptoms

  • “I sometimes suffer from stomach pain that is constant and lasts for days at a time.”
  • “My stomach is tender to the touch, and I get pain in the lower left area of my belly.”
  • “I have been experiencing nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting along with a slight fever.”

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What They Are Saying

Excellent
Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8
Based on 6229 reviews
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Kim V.
Dr. Nandi has been my specialist for a few years now. He is professional and takes his time consulting with you. Also, very caring and compassionate. I highly recommend him....5+ star rating.
Amanda B.
Dr Weber and his staff were absolutely amazing! Didn’t wait longer than 10 min and entire process was smooth! 100% recommend
Larry N.
The most friendly and professional medical facility I have ever visited. Every contact during my visit was efficient. Each person communicated exactly what was happening.
Tracey
Colonoscopy done by Dr. Sante Bologna and I was so impressed with Dr. Bologna,the staff, and the surgical facility!
Kristine R.
The care team was polite, professional and engaging. There was no wait time. Excellent medical care!
Arlene M.
Everyone was polite and professional. They would listen to my concerns and respond in a courteous and knowledgeable manner.¹
Yesmain R.
Roger was undoubtedly the best nurse experience I’ve ever encountered!!
jeff H.
Everyone was great thank you very much
Mark
Entire staff was kind and informative about the process/procedure.
Tena C.
Everyone was friendly, professional,efficient and kind. A very good experience
Ken L.
Everyone I met was welcoming and seemed to care very much about my health. The doctor and the entire team did an excellent job. I felt I was In very capable hands throughout the procedure.
Leudell W.
Well cared for as a patient pleasant staff and doctor
Michael Z.
Everyone at the office was pleasant and explained things well!
Sheila D.
They were very professional and I was treated awesomely by everyone there! And the best part? I was done in less than an hour!! Highly recommend!
Debbie M.
Always professional and clean facilities. Roger was my pre-op nurse and was fantastic! Dr. Weber is exceptional. Wouldn't trust anyone else.
Richard J.
Flawless experience. Everyone was super friendly.
Azar
Great people try to make your experiences comfortable as can be
rick W.
Very good experience. Pre-procedure communication through post procedure could not have been better.
Alan Y.
Short and sweet!
CE U.
On time and very efficient
CD G.
Center for Digestive Health could not be more professional, friendly and genuinely caring about each and every patient. No one looks forward to digestive testing, but CDH goes above and beyond to make the experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible. Angels in uniforms.
Carole G.
Personable, professional staff at the Macomb Procedure Center. Procedures run on time. Dr. Wille is competent and was highly recommended by the Cleveland Clinic.
Jo B.
Short wait, pleasant staff, doctor listens to me. Always feel valued and problems addressed.
Gerardo R.
I've been cared for by Dr. Bologna for over 27 years. My colonoscopy procedure went nice and quick, and the care of the whole team is fenomenal.
Lorra P.
No one wants to get a colonoscopy but for people with a family history of colon cancer , there is no choice. I have had colonoscopies in the past but never with Dr Bakken, until this time. Dr Bakken and her team were kind, helpful and professional from the start. I appreciate the excellent care as getting the scope is always an emotional time for me, reminding me why my mom is no longer here. Dont wait to get your scope!
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6234 reviews
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Jeanette Y.
The Center was an excellent experience from Roger and Brittany my nurses to the procedure room and Anesthetist, all was smooth. Very caring team and of course a fabulous physician, Dr Weber! Highly recommend this site and team!
Cynthia F.
My visit was late my fault. I was to be seen around December but I should’ve come anyway. I saw the PA Kristen she listened to or read my troubles well I couldn’t see Dr.BAAKEN. to get some answers. I believe Kristen answered fine. I am Not going anywhere else.
Richard E.
Very professional staff that works efficiently and pleasant
Mark G.
Dr. Bologna is very professional and courteous. I've been seeing him for about 8 years.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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