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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 6262 reviews
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elaine S.
Appointment on time and assistant was very efficient and pleasant.
candace
Everyone was very sweet,nice and understanding. I really can't think of anything I was disappointed in my morning I spent there during my procedure. THANK YOU DOCTOR AND STAFF
Fernando P.
As soon as I entered the clinic, I felt a surge of confidence. The receptionist, medical assistant, nurse, anesthesiologist, Dr. Nandy, and the entire staff were incredibly nice and super friendly, making my experience truly exceptional.
Amazing C.
Dr. Richard Wille has been my Gastroenterologist Physician for many years who has always shown a heartfelt of care, with true concern, regarding my medical health issues and situations. He, as well as his staff, and his Medical Assistant, Chris, have always, and I mean always, been pleasant and professional with me whenever there was a need for their assistance, with Dr. Wille being patient listening and explaining whatever is needed to bring clarity for me to be able to understand my medical issues and situations a little better, regardless of my many questions. Dr. Wille is a great Physician, and more than anything, he's a great person and a great listener that truly cares about his patients and their health. It's never a rush deal with him, which I truly appreciate. If there was a way to receive 100 Stars, he would definitely be entitled to them all 100%. Thank you Dr. Wille for being such a great Physician in your field with a wonderful spirit of handling your patients with kindness.
jeremy H.
Made my first colonoscopy experience a good one. Talked with Dr. Baken before and after procedure. Very professional!
lynn K.
i had an 8 am appointment. was taken to room at that time. staff was very pleasant and informative as to what was going to take place. Dr. met me and told what was going to occur. when done he again filled me in on results as well as gave written report. when home later in day received call asking how was doing. a real nice touch to say the least
BAM
Dr. Donat is the best. The clinical staff is amazing.
Angelique S.
I was so nervous because I don’t know what to expect, but the staff was so pleasant, they made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. They explained everything to me step by step which left me with no questions. Dr Anzei Bakkan is highly recommend..
Susan C.
I felt as if I was with family members during the whole procedure. Everyone is very accommodating and professional. I recommend Dr. Bologna to everyone!
Melissa W.
From the sweet woman who checked me in , to the amazing nurses, my friendly doctor, Dr Donat, to the wonderful gal who escorted me to my car… even though it was a dreaded colonoscopy, it was a good experience!
Sheri G.
Great staff. Made the procedure easy
Rita D.
Everyone was great on the day of the procedure
jennifer S.
Everyone was so kind and helpful. My recovery nurse, Allison was especially helpful and caring. Thank you everyone.
Sabine H.
Fantastic care from beginning to end!
Terri M.
Best place to have a colonoscopy
Matthew A.
I was given excellent care and treated with respect.
Monique F.
The best customer service EVER! From the friendly, helpful staff, down to the doctor! Great service overall! They made me feel safe and comfortable!
TearesAnn
Such caring and attentive medical staff... everyone doing there part in my visit made it easy for me to get through my procedure. Thank you all!!
KS M.
Everyone there was friendly, competent and efficient. Highly recommended
Carlos C.
It went very smoothly, everyone was very nice very happy place very professional.
Rene G.
Center for Digestive Health, specifically Dr. Nandi was an excellent experience. They are professional, caring and proficient at what they do from the office staff to the nurses and ultimately, Dr. Nandi. Don’t hesitate to consider them for your digestive health care needs.
Patti B.
From the receptionist to the medical staff to Dr. Quallich, they made the process of my colonoscopy go smoothly and they all cared about my comfort through this process. They are a wonderful team.
Jessica A.
Efficient & friendly staff!!
Janice S.
The office runs very smoothly, friendly staff that make you feel comfortable. The nurses and dr very professional - I highly them.
Bill S.
Service was very efficient. Care was excellent.
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6267 reviews
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Dominic A.
First,we seen the doctor on our appointment time.Second very friendly atmosphere n Third the doctor very open honest and professional.
Sara S.
Dr. Webber is a breath of fresh air!! He listens and wants to help! So nice and helpful! Recommend Dr. Webber!
Jon L.
Dr. Donat and staff were wonderful.
Darlene D.
I highly recommend this practice. Been coming here for 17+ yrs. All of the nurses in Triage, administered IV, Nurse Anesthetist & post-op were FANTASTIC! Especially, Caroline & Jessica.

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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