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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

Top rated
Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8
Based on 6265 reviews
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Edward V.
Everyone there was friendly, professional, and took the time to answer my questions. There was very little wait time and I was taken into the prep area within 10 minutes of arriving. I would highly recommend this facility.
Aileen K.
Wonderful staff and doctors! I was so nervous but everyone was very kind and caring and made me feel comfortable. Thank you and a special thanks to Roland. He is truly amazing. 😊
Carmetia M.
From check in to being assisted safely to my driver the staff was so kind and professional. They have gotten a 5 stars but I need 1 question answered. I think my awesome Doctor did inform me but coming from under anesthesia I don't think I recall- this is my only reason I'm withholding 1 pron of the 5 star in my mind lol 😊 no doubt they are fivevstar. Dr. John Webber and team was soooo wonderful and positive. Thanks to the entire staff from check in to check out at the Surgical Center of Michigan.
Don R.
The staff was professional, courteous, and efficient.
Terri S.
Very nice facility with friendly, efficient staff.
Sharon J.
The best office and best doctors at this practice... The office is always willing to help you and gets you seen in a reasonable time.. Have been using them for years and have never been disappointed.
Ken M.
Dr Donat and his team performed my colonoscopy. They are highly professional and make this worthwhile procedure comfortable and informative. I’d certainly recommend them to my friends and family.
Sharon B.
Recently had my colonoscopy done at Macomb Endoscopy/Center for Digestive Health. My first impression was the waiting room was nearly full to capacity and I would have to wait a while. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Everything from checking in to walking out the door was handled smoothly and efficiently. The entire staff from the check-in desk to discharge were friendly, caring and helpful. If you have to have any endoscopic procedures I highly recommend Macomb Endoscopy and Center for Digestive Health.
cat S.
Great staff and comfortable environment
Dean O.
I’ll get the negative out of the way first. The only issue I had is that they REALLY wanted you to buy the prep kit from them. Not a huge deal but they were more forthcoming with information on buying a prep kit than just letting you know exactly what you need to prepare. Other than that the experience (colonoscopy) was almost delightful. From the office staff to the prep nurse, anesthesiologist, doctor and recovery nurse. It was my first colonoscopy and they made me feel completely at ease. Everything went down EXACTLY like they said it would. I highly recommend the staff at the 22 mile and Romeo Plank Center for Digestive Health.
don G.
The staff and Doctor are very friendly and knowledgeable to their process. They have it down. Procedure was very quick and painless.
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!
Julie D.
First time for a colonoscopy. Staff was amazing. They meet me feel at ease.
Deborah H.
The staff in Troy take away all the stress and anxiety in such a professional way that the procedure is almost pleasant.
Jerry R.
All went very smoothly. Very professional and no waiting, prompt procedure.
Mark B.
The people at Center for Digestive Health made my procedure as pleasant as possible.
Giuseppe R.
Very efficient process the whole way through from check in to the moment I walked out the door. Everything was explained to me and they answered any questions I had. Thank you Amy and Dr Bologna.
JM M.
Recently had a procedure and everyone was great. The registration girl was so pleasant and when I told her I was to have another test she called to make sure it was covered. All the staff Dr’s, nurses, techs were all so nice. And as always Dr. Qualich is so great and calming and explains it all.
Jan L.
Best medical team
Kristopher D.
A very professional and caring staff.
Michele E.
I recently had a procedure done at Macomb Endoscopy Center and I cannot praise Dr. Tocco and the entire staff enough! From the moment I walked in, I was treated with the utmost care and professionalism. Dr. Tocco was exceptionally thorough, explaining every step of the process and addressing all of my concerns with great patience. The nurses and administrative staff were equally impressive, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. The facility was clean, modern, and well-organized, which further contributed to my confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend Macomb Endoscopy Center for anyone in need of endoscopic procedures. Thank you, Dr. Tocco and team, for your outstanding service!
Christine P.
There is NO Better GI Dr than Dr Partha Nandi, this man took care of my Barrets Esophagus disease with the new technology they had on hand, and he saved my life. I am Forever grateful! You may have a wait to see him, but trust me, it is worth it!
Matt W.
Everyone in the Center for Digestive Health - Troy Clinic was courteous, professional and comfortable to be with.
Anthony B.
I have complete confidence in the care provided by Dr Weber and all the staff. They are professional, practiced in their methods, friendly and sincere in their concern for their patient's wellbeing. They are top notch as a health care provider.
Sydney B.
1st Colonscopy procedure was a positive experience, all things considered. Surgical staff was pleasant, knowledgeable and efficient. Dr Bakken was professional and kind and completed the procedure accordingly. Highly recommend Surgical Centers of Michigan for this necessary health procedure.
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6270 reviews
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Brian F.
All star Dr. and staff. From check in to departure.
Robert H.
I was a little late but when I got there they put me right thru. They were all very professional and polite. When it was over the Dr came in and explained what happened and what he did. Being handicapped it took me a little longer to get dressed and then they wheeled me out to my vehicle.
Sue H.
I have been going to the center for Digestive health for about 20 years and I always enjoy my experience. Dr. Richard Willie has been my doctor. His bedside manner is great! The staff and nurse practitioners are also very friendly. The facility is clean and well-run. I highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health!
Kathleen O.
Awesome experience having my EGD with Dr. Donat! Best nap of my life! This place runs so smoothly and everyone is nice, professional, and caring!!!! Great job group!

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

Christina N. Brown, 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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