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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 6268 reviews
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Stephanie M. P.
Dr. Quallich and the entire staff are amazing and have such a great bedside manner. Very thankful for their compassion, attentiveness and professionalism!
Tony D.
The staff is fantastic. All the way from check-in to walking me out. The facilities were extremely clean too.
Kent P.
Excellent staff. Nice facility.
Raniya A.
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Donat for about 20 years and I’ve always felt comfortable and have been treated so well with everyone on his staff. They’re friendly and very helpful with any questions or concerns I’ve had.
Ellen S.
I was taken in right on time and everyone I encountered was pleasant and professional, especially Dr. Willie.
Darlene V.
Staff was efficient, knowledgeable, and caring.
Greg V.
Just need to bring back cookies post procedure.
John C.
From beginning to end, no pun intended, was a great experience. Everybody that I was in contact with during the procedure were excellent, but they’re always excellent. Great professional team of people, every one of them✌🏻
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.
Wolfgang R.
Super upbeat staff - and Doctor Donat is just the absolute very Best!! His care, his interest about his patients concern and the way he manages to resolve any issue and takes away any concerns from any patience, it is so fantastic! We will be back !!! Thank you Team !!
Maria J.
The service was beyond amazing. Everyone was so professional and amazingly nice.
Ryan M.
While perhaps no test is really "enjoyable," this was as pleasant an experience as one could hope for. Every single person I engaged with at every step of the process could not have been more helpful, professional, or empathetic. Wonderful people to have looking after your health. All questions answered completely by people who aren't just "rushing you through" the process to collect more billings. Recommended..
Jennifer K.
Dr tocco , is great , this was my first visit with him, I will keep him as my g.i doctor , listens , caring doctor , thanks
Anne D.
Dr. Bakken is so kind and caring-like being with a friend!
Brandon R.
Great staff, Dr. Willie is the best. He always takes the time to answer questions and provide a clear explanation to the procedure. Thank You
Jay 1.
Ruth had an endoscopy done recently. All was professional, efficient, with summary by Dr Nandi before leaving. Always have a good experience at this office.d
Avery N.
All employees very knowlegeable and professional!
Robert K.
Staff very efficient and friendly. I appreciated the follow-up text a few hours after. All went out of their way to make me comfortable. Great job.
Darlene U.
Pleasant staff
Carol
Office and Medical staff are amazing!! Made an unpleasant procedure very comfortable. Highly recommend Dr. Willie.
Kitty B.
Very positive visit experience! Friendly, professional medical staff, and Dr. Weber is everything I could want as my GI Dr. He is warm, professional, very thorough, and readily allows time for my questions and related discussion. He is highly regarded in his field and exudes competency. I trust I am in good hands with this GI doctor !
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!
Jim G.
I am a repeat customer of CDH since 2006. Dr. Nandi has always been the consummate healthcare professional taking time to ensure all my questions are answered and providing exceptional care.
Anquinette M.
Just a kind and welcoming environment.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🔥🌞 Preparing for a colonoscopy, especially for the first time, can understandably evoke a great deal of anxiety. However, I want to share my experience, which was surprisingly reassuring. From my initial interaction with the receptionist to the compassionate care provided by Nurse Allison, who prepared me for the procedure, I felt genuinely comfortable and valued throughout the entire process. The professionalism and kindness exhibited by all the staff, culminating in the expertise of Dr. Donat, who performed my procedure, made a significant difference in my experience. If I ever find myself needing to undergo this procedure again, or if anyone else is facing it, I wholeheartedly recommend the Surgical Centers of Michigan. It is essential for me to be treated with kindness and dignity, and I felt that in abundance during my visit.
samir B.
Thanks all staff. They did excellent job. Thank you all so much 🙏👍
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6273 reviews
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Christine P.
Working with this practice was smooth and easy. From booking to my escorted walk to my ride, everyone was kind and friendly. Appointment was timely and efficient.
Tena C.
Everyone was friendly, professional,efficient and kind. A very good experience
Catherine T.
Great doctors and great nursing staff!
Jeff K.
Showed concern for my problem

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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