Diverticulitis Treatment in Phoenix

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the digestive tract, which are small pouches that form commonly after the age of 40 and usually don’t cause problems. However, the inflammation or infection of one of these pouches can lead to many complications and symptoms.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis, don’t wait to see a specialist. For patients in the Phoenix area, the team at Dignity Health Medical Group is here to help. General surgeons Shawn Stevenson, DO, Van Leavitt, DO, and Gregory Robertson, MD are board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and have extensive experience performing safe and effective diverticulitis surgery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in Chandler or Gilbert. We see patients from Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and the surrounding areas.

What are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis has to be diagnosed by a physician. Usually, it is diagnosed through a colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray. Of course, there are some common symptoms that may indicate Diverticulitis such as:

• Constant and persistent pain in the abdomen, usually on the lower left side
• Fever
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Blood in stool

If you are experiencing these symptoms across multiple days, contact our office today to set up a screening.

Learn more about Diverticulitis in Dignity Health Medical Group’s Health Library.

Who is at Risk for Diverticulitis?

Some of the risk factors that can lead to increased chances of diverticulitis include the following:

Smoking

Studies have shown that people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop diverticulitis than people who do not smoke.

Age

The chance of experiencing diverticulitis increases with age, usually over the age of 40

Lack of Exercise

Frequent exercise can lower the risk of developing diverticulitis

Obesity

Not only can being overweight dramatically increase the chances of developing diverticulitis, but it also can add complications to the surgery

Diet

While not the biggest factor, a diet that’s high in animal fat and low in fiber can possibly increase chances of experiencing diverticulitis.

Treatment for Diverticulitis

Mild diverticulitis may be cured by changing diets and rest or minor medical treatment like draining the abscess in the colon/abdomen, but more severe cases may require surgery. Usually, less than 10% of people with diverticulitis need surgery and can be cured through the help of one of our doctors. However, severe cases that require surgery may involve:

• Repeated attacks of diverticulitis
• Fistula formation between the colon and adjacent organ
• An infected diverticula that spreads to other parts of the body
• Colon obstruction
• Severe bleeding

Diverticulitis Surgery in Chandler AZ

Multiple different surgeries can cure diverticulitis depending on each individual case. Usually, a partial colectomy is done to remove the diseased part of the colon and reconnecting the reaming parts. In rare cases, multiple surgeries are needed in sequence to cure diverticulitis.