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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 6243 reviews
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Richard K.
Friendly, competent, helpful service. Answered all my questions and modified care accordingly. Clerical service also helped me.
Flora C.
Everyone was very kind and well organized!
Jon D.
CDH has been the epitome of a professional practice. The nursing staff and doctors are friendly and genuinely caring. They are open to questions, informative regarding every step of the procedure and always follow up the following day to ensure you are doing well.
Patricia C.
I had a telea-medical appointment on Friday Jan 12th. It was prompt, nurse practitioner was helpful and issue resolved. Very convenient.
Kent E J.
Professional, personal, and caring.
Katie M.
Every person I spoke to was kind, gracious, thorough and professional. From making an appointment over the phone right up through leaving my appointment - every single person. Every step of the process I would go through was explained in detail and I was encouraged to ask questions. I highly recommend them!
John D.
Every one was very friendly, I was seen on time and doctor Saeed was well prepared. This was my first visit and she had researched my record and was able to discuss my problem intelligently and was very pleasant .
Clifford J.
While embarrassing to talk about, I had to go in for my first colonoscopy screening. The center made the process fairly easy and straightforward. The prep work for the previous day was easy to follow and was not nearly as painful as I expected it to be. On the day of the procedure, I was checked in, wheeled into the procedure room, knocked out, and before I knew it, it was over and done with. I was in and out in just a little over two hours. The staff was very friendly and reassuring throughout. They even shared the results with me before I left. It was a very pleasant experience, considering. I highly recommend this facility. BTW - Everything checked out well.
Pauline F.
My appointment was with Dr. bologna he took his time with me. He wasn’t in any rush. He explained everything so I understood was very impressed with him and he put me at ease. I highly recommend him.
Linda H.
Easy to make appointment. On time and friendly. Overall great experience.
John M.
My experience with the Center for Digestive Health at my last visit and for many years has been fantastic. The staff is wonderful and Dr. Donat really cares.
Kenny W.
About 6 weeks ago I was contacted by the office that I was due for a return visit. That was great timing...I didn't have to call to set up an appointment because they called me. That tells me these people are not only professionals but excellent record keepers as well. Then they made sure I had the list to follow for the prep. On the scheduled date there was a 20 min wait, which in my opinion wasn't too much time to wait. They processed me through with the efficiency that Henry Ford would be proud of. The staff was friendly, the procedure was painless. I'd give this staff a 10 out of 10. Thank you for treating me with dignity.
Christopher V.
Great office everyone very helpful and polite. I will recommend to everyone.
Elaine M.
I was surprised I didn't have to wait very long to see the Dr because the last place I went to kept me waiting about 2 hours. Very positive experience.
Kristine M.
I have been seeing Dr Quallich for many years for my routine colonoscopy, and a diagnostic endoscopy. The experience is always pleasant because of staff and professionalism of all. The staff is also very friendly and kind.
Dvorah N.
First time at this facility in Macomb. I always go to the center in Troy. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. I was taken in a very timely manner for the procedure. Everyone was accommodating with my concerns and questions prior and following the procedure. It was an unexpected pleasant experience overall.
Charity D.
Dr. Khan is so knowledgable and caring.
Ted H.
They did a good job
Dean R.
I recently had a procedure completed at CDH, and was extremely pleased with how it went, this was my second procedure at this facility and both were administered flawlessly. My doctor, nurses, technicians, staff... were all very courteous and professional. I highly recommend CDH if you are need of this type of care
Roger “Eastern Shore ‘54” E.
Outstanding group lead by Dr. Donat. The ERCP he performed was flawless and the surgical team was awesome.
Phil D.
Service was exceptional. On time and very thorough. Doctors and nurses explained every detail of my procedure and recovery. I would highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health to everyone.
John C.
Very professional staff!!
Aljamaalah M.
Nice attentive staff
Terry M.
Very friendly and helpful staff
Jane L.
What I like most about Dr Tocco is that he asks questions, listens to your health concerns, gives you his verdict, and you're done. My last visit was 5 minutes. I really love that!
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6248 reviews
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Kristy F.
Great experience from start to finish. Everyone was polite and helpful. Allison K. was my nurse before the procedure and she was awesome!
Martin C.
Normally i am a gentleman who is afraid of hospitals and doctors but here with this people (staff) I felt very nice and comfortable like my home , thank you!!
Jennifer M.
Dr. Bakken and her staff are fantastic!
KELLY O.
Everyone was amazing and very kind. I was able to get my appointment scheduled and completed in a quick and timely manner! I have been seeing Dr. Tocco for years now, and I have always had a good experience.

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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