Diverticular Disease
What Are The Symptoms Of Diverticular Diease?
Patients with diverticulosis may not have any symptoms. Some patients complain of bloating and blood in stools.
Diverticulitis presents itself in the following symptoms:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever
- Loose stools
How Can Diverticular Disease Be Treated?
There is no exact treatment for diverticulosis. It is only when complications in the form of diverticulitis occur that treatment is required. Mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics. However, in severe cases of diverticulitis, patients may require hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics and antispasmodics for treatment. For every attack of diverticulitis, the patient will face a higher chance of a recurrent infection. When repeated episodes of diverticulitis occur, the colorectal doctor may recommend surgery to remove the part of the colon with diverticulum. In cases of bleeding diverticulum, patients may require blood transfusion. Bowel rest is also recommended. Likewise, if bleeding is severe or if there are recurrent episodes of bleeding, surgery may be needed to remove the diseased part of the colon.
What are the available surgical treatment options for diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis presents itself in the following symptoms:
Laparotomy
More commonly known as open surgery, laparotomy requires a cut of more than 15cm along the abdomen. However, laparotomy has some disadvantages such as a slower recovery, longer hospital stay and a longer scar.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Key-hole surgery is a modern surgical technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed by two or three instruments inserted through small holes in the abdomen with the help of a small fibre-optic camera inserted through the umbilicus. This type of surgery is gaining popularity amongst patients as they would experience less pain and faster recovery as compared to traditional open surgery, and both procedures are comparable in improving survival rates for patients.
How Can I Prevent Diverticular Disease?
As the exact cause for diverticular disease is still unknown, there is no definitive prevention method. However, a well-balanced diet with adequate fibre intake may prevent formation of diverticulum.