Surprisingly, most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms and will remain symptom-free for the rest of their lives. But if an inflammation of a diverticulum (diverticulitis) occurs when there is thinning and breakdown of the diverticular wall, this could lead to increased pressure within the colon or hardened particles of stool, which can become lodged in the diverticulum. As a result, the patient can feel a great deal of discomfort and debilitating pain.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
The most common symptom is pain in the left lower abdomen. Other diverticular disease symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and painful urinary symptoms.
Thankfully, most cases of diverticular disease can be relieved with medication after an evaluation by a physician who specializes in GI medicine. Approximately 85% of people with uncomplicated diverticulitis will respond to medical treatment but a less fortunate 15% of patients will develop a generalized infection in the abdomen (peritonitis) and usually require an emergency operation to alleviate the condition.
In the majority of situations, the diseased area of the colon can be removed and the two ends of the colon reconnected in one operation, without the need for a colostomy.
In non-emergency situations, GI surgery may be recommended for people with repeated attacks of diverticulitis or if there are severe or repeated episodes of bleeding. The decision depends in part upon your other medical conditions and ability to undergo surgery.
Some doctors recommend surgery after the first attack of diverticulitis in people who are less than 40 to 50 years. This is because the disease may be more severe in this age group and there may be an increased risk of recurrent disease that will ultimately require surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery means less scaring and faster recovery
If surgery is needed, in most cases, diverticular disease surgery can be performed laparoscopically, using small incisions, rather than the typical vertical (up and down) abdominal incision. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery allows you to recover more quickly with less chance of infection and shortens the hospital stay.
I have performed many of these operations at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold with virtually no complications. In the vast majority of cases, this is considered a very low-rick surgical operation.
After an episode of diverticulitis resolves, the entire length of the colon should be evaluated to determine the extent of disease and to rule out the presence of abnormal lesions such as polyps or cancer. Recommended tests include colonoscopy, barium enema and sigmoidoscopy, or CT colonography.
Learn more about diverticular disease
To learn more about diverticular disease, please watch my informational video overview or call my office to schedule a consultation to discuss your medical condition.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
“Dr. Seun” is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon. He has advanced expertise performing the safest, most advanced laparoscopic and general surgical operations. To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.