Diverticula are small, swollen pockets that primarily form in weak spots of the lining of the large intestine (colon), resulting in a condition known as diverticulosis. These pockets are fairly common and mostly harmless unless they tear and become infected or inflamed. This is then referred to as diverticulitis.
Certain people are more likely to develop diverticulitis than others. Risk factors for developing diverticulitis include:
Symptoms of diverticulitis may last from several hours to several days, depending on the severity of the infection or inflammation. Symptoms include:
To confirm a diverticulitis diagnosis, the specialists at Digestive Healthcare Center (DHC) may recommend the following to rule out other potential conditions:
Treatments for diverticulitis are dependent upon the severity of the condition. If symptoms are mild, patients are typically treated at home with:
If symptoms are severe or there are other health complications, hospitalization may be required. When patients are hospitalized, treatment usually involves intravenous antibiotics and tube insertion to drain an abscess (if one has formed).
In some cases, surgery might be required to effectively treat diverticulitis. Patients who could potentially benefit from surgery may:
If surgery is deemed necessary, there are two types of surgical treatments for this condition:
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our gastroenterologists proudly work with patients to address digestive health concerns, including diverticulitis. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at one of our three gastroenterology centers in New Jersey, and for those who can’t make it to the office, we offer convenient GI telemedicine visits, where you can meet with a DHC physician from the comfort of your home. If you are experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis, please contact us to make an appointment today.
Our team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Healthcare Center wants to help you live a healthier and more comfortable life, by helping you put your digestive health first. Please contact us today to make an appointment or to learn more about our gastroenterology services in NJ.
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center
Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety measures we are taking to protect you and our staff from contracting the coronavirus. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to limit the spread of the virus by continuously disinfecting all rooms and equipment, using protective barriers, providing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. We are testing staff and patients to make sure you are safe. Patients will be asked to provide information if they have been tested.
OFFICE HOURS:
Our Hillsborough and Somerville offices are open and seeing patients for Telemedicine and In-Office visits as needed. Our Warren location is currently closed.
SAFETY FIRST:
CENTRAL JERSEY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER:
Our surgery center is open and performing procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Please call to schedule an appointment at 908-218-9222. Patients coming in for procedures will be COVID tested prior to their procedure.
PATIENT PORTAL:
To better serve you, all patients must register for our portal by providing us with your email address. You will receive a portal invitation via email which will contain a pin number needed to register for our portal. This will be our main source of communication with you regarding test results, answering clinical questions, and providing important updates.
The Physicians and Staff at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center wish everyone the best at this trying time.
Stay healthy and safe.