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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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Martha S.
Great experience in having a colonoscopy (if that is possible!). Dr Qualich is great
email S.
Great staff. My colitis is much better.
Neil H.
Our whole family have been patients of the Center for many years and have enjoyed the service and attention we receive. The operation runs like a well-oiled machine and the doctors and nurses are extremely helpful in explaning our procedures and answering any questions we might have.
Dave A.
Great staff and location
Patti S.
My visit went smoothly, quickly and professionally. I urged you not to judge the office by the reception area which is greatly in need of a renovation. The remainder of the office is modern and professional.
Renna G.
On schedule and Dr Wille always is caring and listening to me as a patient.
Sharon S.
Best colonoscopy in town!
Kathryn K.
Staff explained all information provided and made sure that I understood what was provided to me.
Mary S.
Dr.Willie and his staff are wonderful. My procedure went.well. All my questions were addressed. I felt very comfortable in the procedure room.
Audrey B.
The office staff and clinical staff were all very friendly, Doctor was friendly. The check-in process was professional and efficient. Communication about the prep involved with a colonoscopy was great- I did not feel confused on what to do or when to start because instructions were clear and presented in advance.
George T.
Very professional and very caring of their patients wellbeing, during and after the procedure.
Lee M.
Professional, compassionate and workers had great attitudes
Gerald L.
Dr. Willie was awesome. Professional and thorough and my procedure was done in 20 mins.
Kelly R.
I have seen many Gastro Dr's in my life, but Dr. Bolonga and his stafg have been the best so far. I feel like im finally getting some way over due answers to stomach problems I have had for ove half my life now. Thank you so much to Dr. Bolonga and staff for all your help sooo far. Kelly
Cheryl O.
I do not usually take the time to leave a review, unless I receive exceptional service, either good or bad. Well my experience yesterday was praise worthy!! Check in was quick, I was treated wonderfully throughout! The facility is exceptionally clean and the entire staff is caring and professional!!
LuCritia B.
Everyone from the time I checked in to the time I left was so helpful. Again thank you all so very much.
Jeffrey S.
The staff was very nice and professional, I was really impressed with how comfortable and knowledgeable they were.
Linda B.
Nice staff and very professional.
The J.
This was my first Colonoscopy. I experienced a first class experience start to finish. After walking me through and finishing the prep phase, I was greeted by staff the day of the procedure and finished within two hours. Thank you all again for this positive experience.
Jeff H.
No one looks forward to a colonoscopy but the staff and doctors did a great job making the procedure as easy as possible. Everyone was caring and compassionate and concerned about my wellbeing.
Linda A.
Enjoyed how quick the process went. Very professional.
Susan J.
Everyone one was so kind.. try all made you feel like you were a part of their family.. everything went well and I was fine before I knew it.. thank you to everyone.. Susan 😉
Jere R.
Professional. Took time to listen to my challenges. Highly recommend.
Michael C.
The doctors and nurses were very kind and very efficient. My procedure was done professionally and very easy for me. I would recommend Dr. Bologna and his staff for anyone with lnternal gastro needs or problems.
Richard F.
These people really have their act together. Everyone was very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable being in their care.
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6232 reviews
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Eric I.
The service provided before, during and after Colonoscopy is high quality.
Thomas J.
Extremely pleased.
Ron E.
No waiting and staff was very professional from front office to nurses and Dr Bakin especially
thomas B.
This a well oiled machine. They processes you quickly and get you in and out in a timely manner.

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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