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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 6227 reviews
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Nicole J.
All the Doctor's, staff and assistants are nice, they listen to your concerns and help you. Yes I have being referring family and friends.
Marie S.
Dr. Nandi is an excellent physician, he cares about patients and provides them with the best healthcare! He has made a huge difference in diagnosing and treatment for acid reflux. My day to day life has improved.
David O.
Minimal wait time both in lobby and exam room. Dr. Wille and staff are great!
Christina H.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Donat and his entire staff, especially Sarah R., medical assistant. From the moment you walk into the office, you are treated with kindness, professionalism, and genuine compassion. Dr. Donat takes the time to truly listen to his patients, explain everything thoroughly, and make you feel comfortable and cared for. It’s rare to find a physician who combines such extensive knowledge with such an amazing bedside manner. The office runs efficiently and communication is excellent and prompt. Sarah R. deserves special recognition for her thorough patient care, attention to detail, and warm personality. She consistently goes above and beyond to help patients. Her dedication to her role does not go unnoticed. If you are looking for exceptional gastroenterology care or IV infusion services, I highly recommend Dr. Donat and his team. Five-star care from truly exceptional healthcare professionals!
Donna H.
It was a 5 . Very caring, professional, and my Doctor is wonderful.
John W S.
Everyone here is incredibly kind and caring. I had some anxiety when I was preparing for my procedure, but it was done and over with before I had time to think about it. Dr. Donat is excellent, and takes time to explain everything.
N K.
Dr. Richard T. Wille, MD is amazing . Explain everything well take time with you. All staff Front desk and medical assistant are helpful and great. Highly recommend this office.
Daniel T.
PA Jennifer was polite, professional and knowledgeable.
Sonia M.
Service was thorough and caring. I feel comfortable I am in good hands. Thank you.
Ruth R.
Very clean place. Made me very comfortable
greg D.
I have been a patient of Dr Donat for over 15 years. He and his staff have been excellent
cheryl G.
I had a great experience with Dr Quallach and staff during my procedure . Everyone was very helpful and kind-they made me feel at ease . I can’t say enough good things about how I was treated !
Able60
Dr Bakken and her staff were so attentive and efficient in their care of me, it was a totally pleasant experience. Each staff member were very professional in their duties.
Marla M.
Dr Tocco and the whole staff were great!
Bob B.
Great staff and nice facility.
Elinor S.
Dr. Wille and his staff are great! Taken in on time, given time with Dr to discuss my problem and treated with the utmost courtesy. Always my go to GI place!!
Karen H.
Staff and Dr were friendly, polite, knowledgeable and professional. Procedure went well and without problems. Will definitely go there again and highly recommend.
Kathy R.
Dr. Wille has been my Gastro DR since I moved back to MI in 2018. I have a lot of issues & he has addressed & treated all of them to my satisfaction & expectations & beyond. He listens, he makes good eye contact & shows he cares. In my opinion he is a exceptional Dr & I would highly recommend him to anyone! All of his office staff are very polite & caring & patient!
Ray
Very professional, very friendly, a very good atmosphere
Robin L.
Easy scheduling, front office very friendly. Doctor listened
Gerald J.
Prompt scheduling, caring staff, good facilities; much more convenient than a major hospital setting.
Robert T.
I’ve had several endoscopic exams with Dr Quallich and colonoscopies with Dr Donat here. I’m always pleased with their treatment and feel like they genuinely do their best to consider my health and safety. Also the exams are painless and I’m pretty alert after waking up with their exclusive use of propofol for anesthesia. Thanks again!
Carol M.
I received excellent care as usual. I have always been impressed with Dr. Donat and his staff is great as well.
Kathie S.
Love Dr Quallich. He has done so much for me.
Elaine M.
Seamless prep info online, check in and procedure. Outstanding RN intake and IV hook up. Smooth procedure and post op follow through. Highly recommend Dr Weber and his team.
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
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Mike B.
attentive and thorough
colleen W.
I love Dr. Weber. He listens and isn't critical of what you are saying like some doctors. He is very kind and treated me with great kindness and caring. I really can't say enough nice things about him. And all the office staff are great, all super nice and helpful. I'm glad I went back to Dr. Weber. Thank you!!! Keep.up the great work!!! It means so much to so many.❤️
Bernie W.
Dr. Bologna reviewed my medical history and discussed my current situation. His care, compassion and willingness to do lab tests before any invasive procedures was refreshing. I have complete confidence in his ability to address my current issue.
Joel S.
We like Dr Willie. He takes his rise and luarwbs

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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