Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Diverticulitis is characterized by the inflammation or infection of small pouches, known as diverticula, in the digestive tract, most commonly in the colon.

Types of Diverticulitis and Our Approach

Understanding the type and severity of diverticulitis is crucial for effective management, and Phoenix Unified Surgeons is well-versed in diagnosing and treating all variations of this condition:

Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis, the most common form, can experience symptoms like abdominal pain and fever. Our team typically manages these cases with antibiotics and dietary modifications, providing education and support to prevent future occurrences.

Complicated Diverticulitis

For more severe cases involving complications such as perforation, abscesses, fistulas, or strictures, we offer advanced surgical interventions. Our board-certified surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive techniques to address these complications, aiming to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.

Recurrent and Chronic Diverticulitis

For those experiencing recurrent or chronic diverticulitis, our surgeons emphasize a comprehensive treatment plan. We assess underlying lifestyle factors and medical conditions contributing to recurrence and provide personalized strategies to manage and mitigate symptoms.

Location-Specific Diverticulitis

Our expertise extends to treating diverticulitis in various colon locations, including the more common sigmoid diverticulitis and the less frequent ascending diverticulitis. Tailored treatment plans ensure that each patient receives care suited to their specific condition.

With a commitment to excellence in surgical care, Phoenix Unified Surgeons is your partner in managing diverticulitis effectively. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure comprehensive care, from initial diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up, empowering patients to achieve optimal digestive health.

One of the most common indicators of diverticulitis is persistent abdominal pain, often localized to the lower left side. Our specialists are trained to assess and address this symptom, along with other potential signs such as changes in bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills, which can signal inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.

Phoenix Unified Surgeons prioritizes rapid and accurate diagnosis to tailor the most effective treatment plans for diverticulitis, minimizing the risk of complications and enhancing patient outcomes. Our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced diagnostic tools enable us to identify any presence of blood in the stool, an important indicator that requires immediate medical attention.

We are committed to delivering personalized care and support throughout your journey, ensuring that all your health concerns are addressed with the utmost professionalism and expertise. For those experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis, we encourage you to seek timely medical evaluation, where your digestive health is our priority.

Diverticulitis typically presents with pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, where the sigmoid colon is located. This occurs when small pouches, known as diverticula, become inflamed or infected. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may include tenderness, cramping, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.

Our specialists at Phoenix Unified Surgeons emphasize the importance of prompt medical evaluation for these symptoms to rule out other potential causes of abdominal pain and ensure appropriate treatment. We offer a range of interventions tailored to the severity of the condition, from dietary modifications and antibiotics to advanced surgical procedures if necessary. Our goal is to provide personalized, effective care to help our patients achieve optimal health outcomes. If you’re experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our experienced team for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we understand the critical importance of addressing diverticulitis promptly to prevent severe complications.

1. Infection and Abscess Formation:

Our surgeons are adept at diagnosing and treating infections resulting from diverticulitis. In cases where abscesses develop, we offer advanced drainage procedures and, if necessary, surgical intervention to prevent further complications.

2. Perforation and Peritonitis:

The skilled team is prepared to handle cases of colon perforation. We provide immediate surgical care to address peritonitis, minimizing the risk of life-threatening infections through state-of-the-art techniques.

3. Fistula Development:

Our surgical experts specialize in the repair of fistulas caused by diverticulitis. We employ the latest surgical methods to correct these abnormal connections, restoring normal function and improving patient outcomes.

4. Sepsis and Organ Failure:

We emphasize early intervention to prevent severe infections from escalating to sepsis. Our practice is equipped with the resources to manage complex cases of organ failure, ensuring comprehensive care for our patients.

5. Obstruction and Bowel Blockage:

We address bowel obstructions through minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Our focus is on relieving pain and restoring normal bowel function efficiently.

6. Increased Risk of Colon Cancer:

Our practice provides regular screenings and monitoring for patients with chronic diverticulitis to detect any early signs of colon cancer, offering peace of mind and proactive care.

7. Emergency Surgery:

In severe or recurrent cases, our surgeons are available for emergency interventions, such as colectomies. We prioritize patient safety and recovery, offering thorough post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Visit Phoenix Unified Surgeons for diverticulitis treatment, where our experienced team offers personalized care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.