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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 6231 reviews
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KAM M.
Very professional staff
Paula T.
Friendly daily reminders made me get the prep right!! All personnel were efficient and professional.
Michael P.
Very professional and kind
Cheri B.
Excellent place. All the people here are top notch , friendly efficient and professional.
Cliff K.
Everyone was very nice and friendly. Dr. John Weber is a wonderful person to have performing your colonoscopy.
Tami B.
Great patient care. Very comforting. Very good at sharing knowledge about the procedure I was going to have. The nurses that did my onboarding were excellent!
Derek M.
The worst part about a colonoscopy is the day before with no eating and cleansing your system. Once that was over the experience at Macomb Endoscopy was awesome. Very friendly, and FAST. Was in and out (no pun intended) in no time! Everyone from the second you check-in to the very end were very friendly.
Melinda S.
The doctors are amazing here and also the staff is wonderful they really show that they care about you and want you to be well and get the best care that you can possibly get I would Recommend to anybody looking for good quality care
Joseph B.
My experience has been great,I feel like a new man no more running to the restroom or stomach pain. I can’t thank Dr.Webber and his staff enough for putting an end to pain and discomfort and keeping me pain free for 2 years.
Genghiro B.
I had a good experience. Needed a colonoscooy and the staff we friendly and engaging. It made for a smooth and easy experience for me
Phil N.
Very professional and efficient. All the personnel I interacted with were pleasant, knowledgeable and professional.
William M.
The staff and Dr Bologna was great and very helpful.
Rose A.
I am grateful for the care by staff, nurses, nurse anesthetists and Dr. Richard Wille. Prior to the colonoscopy, Dr. Wille discussed with me my concerns. Afterwards, the center followed up for any problems or questions. The center runs efficiently from start to finish. Very satisfied !
Doug K.
Communication prior to and during procedure was clear and professional. Everyone was friendly and supportive from start to finish.
Jason P.
Great service and care! Answered all my questions before the procedure!
Amie S.
I was able get an appointment fast, test done fast and my stomach issues resolved. Dr. Abadir and the staff have been great to work with.
Charles N.
The worst part of this experience is the prep. Smiles and professionalism all around.
K B.
Everyone in the building works to both help and make you feel comfortable in the whole process
Don S.
I was very pleased with my visit to this office. I got in within minutes of my appointment. I had my questions answered and was out quickly. Everyone was very pleasant.
David C.
Everything was top notch from the prep, procedure, and recovery.
John K.
Everyone at the Center was courteous and helpful. I would recommend the Center without reserve.
Uwannahd U.
Arrived a little early, they took me back on my appointment time. Staff from front desk to each nurse was fabulous! Recommend this location because of Dr. and staff! Thank you
Sandy R.
I was taken right on time. The nurses were very friendly and efficient. Dr. Bologna was very nice and informative. I was told what to expect every step of the way. And I was given very specific instructions upon discharge. I very highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health at the Macomb Endoscopy Center. EVERYONE there was friendly and helpful.
Ceci G.
Love my Doctor Bakken. She is a very compassionate and understanding doctor. The staff was very organized, polite and efficient. No waiting. Very much on time. Highly recommend.
Bernice W.
Staff was very professional and made me feel comfortable Very efficient staff-I was on my way home about 75 minutes after I arrived at the office.
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6236 reviews
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Tag Up With L.
Dr. Bakken and the entire staff at CFDH were kind, professional, and felt taken care of for my first colonoscopy. Highly recommend.
Robert G.
Great center, from the time you walk in until you leave. Everyone is focused on the comfort of the patient. Highly recommended!
nina C.
I went here for my first colonoscopy. Every single member of the staff that I had an experience with was kind, warm, and empathic. I felt very safe and well cared for. From start (making the appt) to finish (follow up phone call the day after my procedure) everything went very easily and made the process as good as it could be.
Lauri R.
always receive prompt call backs and staff is friendly

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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