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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 6242 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.
Mariah B.
Dr Willie was recommended to me through a referral from Dr Steven’s. I was brought back so fast. The doctor was very informative, polite and pleasant. The entire team was great and they explained the entire process to put my mind at ease. The whole team went above and beyond to give me a pleasant experience. The doctor followed up right after my procedure with the findings. They even checked up on me after I went home from the procedure. I would highly recommend him to anyone! He takes pride and professionalism in what he does and goes above and beyond.
Nicole E.
Dr. Donat is the very best! He is thorough, a wonderful diagnostician, kind, patient with an excellent bedside manner!
Mary J.
It's always so much fun seeing Dr. Weber. The staff is great.
Elaine D.
Very pleased with everyone involved in my procedure. They were kind, friendly and very informative and caring.
Jerry W.
From check in to check out, amazing staff, great “bedside manners” for a guy that had never been through the procedure. Reduced my anxiety by the way they treat the patient! Dr Balogna took time to explain things. Much appreciated!
K. Y.
My second time under the care of Gastroenterologist, Dr. Anezi Bakken and her staff, and my second experience, like my first 10 years ago, was extremely thorough and highly professional. I recommend this doctor and facility without hesitation.
Secret V.
Dr Nandi, Kristina & Paige are the nicest medical team who made me feel so very comfortable & relaxed throughout my whole procedure! I highly recommend their sincere kindness & compassion in taking care of me while I was at their office. Dr Nandi is ultimately the most caring professional that I ever met!
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!
Kathy C.
From the receptionist at the front desk to Roger my pre-procedure nurse and David my post-procedure nurse to the Nurse Anesthetist (Joanne, I believe), when she put her hand on my arm while pushing the Propofol gave me a sense of comfort. Dr. Donat also showed a sense of calm before he began my colonoscopy procedure. I instantly knew I was in good hands from the entire staff. Thank you all what you do. You truly make a huge difference.
Joan K.
Everyone in this facility was friendly and helpful. Dr. Wille has many years of experience and is very personable with his patients. He has a calming effect as well and can make you laugh. Great doctor!
Linda M.
My visit was very easy and efficient.
Leka B.
Everything went accordingly and I was pretty pleased
Chris C.
Great staff, they made the experience very easy and stress free
Julian L.
Dr. Dorman was very helpful and professional, he answered every question that I had with enthusiasm and clarity. I gave the staff and the convenient location a five star review!
D S.
Great staff. Smooth running professional operation.
Glenda W.
Everyone was very friendly and helpful.
Melody S.
Staff was professional, friendly and accommodating. My procedure was quick and problem free and both the doctor and anesthesiologist were willing to answer questions and provided clear info about the procedure and everything that would happen.
Kevin A.
Very polite and instructive on what to do. The procedure itself was fast like a smooth running machine.
Cassandra S.
Everyone was professional and caring I knew I was in great hands. Dr. Bakken is wonderful.
Stan L.
The staff is very efficient and caring! Thank you so much!!!!
Kathy Y.
The staff, nurses and doctors are extremely friendly, helpful and willing to answer questions or addressing concerns that you may have
Gayle R.
On time and very professional.
Paul M.
From the receptionist to leaving the office, everyone was very nice and extremely professional.
Denise A.
Very clean and efficient offices and all appointments are in a timely matter
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6247 reviews
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Cary L.
Everyone was very efficient, friendly, professional and caring.
K W.
Everyone was great!
Michael P.
Excellent experience for something that usually is less than desirable. From scheduling, to prescriptions, to prep, to arrival and procedure the team made it easy to understand, were polite and easy to work with. Dr. Bologna was professional and explained the process and the results clearly and efficiently. I believe the team helped reduce anxiety around the procedure and made it as quick and easy as possible. Would recommend using the Center for Digestive Health Macomb Endoscopy Center to anyone.
diane J.
Each and every staff member goes above and beyond allowing the patient to feel at ease with the procedure.

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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