Diverticulitis is a common condition of the colon that can be painful and could require surgery to prevent long-term complications. The providers at Progressive Surgical Care, with New York offices in New Hyde Park, Long Island and Howard Beach, Queens, are experts at the medical and surgical treatment of your diverticulitis. For an expert consultation regarding your diverticulitis symptoms, call to schedule an appointment.
Diverticulitis is a condition of the colon or large intestine, where infection forms in small pockets along the intestinal wall. These small pockets, called diverticula, trap food and bacteria causing infection, inflammation, swelling, and a potential rupture into the abdominal cavity.
Diverticulitis usually affects the large intestine — the colon. In most cases, diverticulitis does not cause significant complications, but for some, it could cause:
Surgery might be necessary if you have severe diverticulitis that does not respond to other treatments or develop a complication of diverticulitis such as abscess, fistula or stricture.
Diverticula alone do not usually cause symptoms and are present in the majority of Americans over the age of 60. However, diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticula) can cause symptoms like:
If you have these symptoms, it’s important to have an evaluation and get quality efficient treatment to prevent long-term complications that may require surgery and a difficult recovery.
Some risk factors place you at higher risk of having diverticulitis or of having complications of diverticulitis. These include:
Long-term use of some medications can also increase your risk of diverticulitis, including steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids.
Initially, your diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics, bowel rest, and a clear liquid diet. If your diverticulitis keeps coming back or causes severe complications, surgery might be necessary.
Progressive Surgical Care offers both open and minimally invasive surgery to remove infected areas of the intestine and repair any damage done by diverticulitis.
Surgeries include:
The team of surgeons at Progression Surgical Care offers up-to-date methods for treating your diverticulitis and any complications resulting from your disease.
For a consultation regarding surgical treatment of your diverticulitis, call or schedule an appointment today with Progressive Surgical Care.
