Diverticulitis surgery is a medical procedure to remove a part of the colon affected by diverticulitis. Diverticulitis, sometimes referred to as colonic diverticulitis, is a painful complication of the large intestine characterized by inflamed pouches on the intestine wall. These pouches, called diverticula, develop only when increased pressure pushes the intestinal wall outward at certain locations. Once these pouches develop, an individual is said to have a harmless, non-symptomatic condition called diverticulosis. Should diverticula become inflamed, an individual is said to have diverticulitis and possibly require diverticulitis surgery.
The exact cause, or causes, of diverticulitis are not well understood. Some researchers speculate that having insufficient fiber in one’s diet may be partly responsible. That’s because a low-fiber diet produces small, hard stool that doesn’t move through the intestine easily, which increases the time stool remains in the intestine. This can contribute to an increase in pressure that leads to diverticula formation.
Only a doctor can tell you whether you are a candidate for diverticulitis surgery. However, you might want to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
- Bloating
- Gas
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever
Abdominal pain, particularly on the left side of the body, is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. People of Asian descent who suffer from diverticulitis normally experience abdominal pain on the right.
Nationally Recognized Care
Diverticulitis surgery is just one of many procedures performed at Tampa General Hospital’s Endoscopy Center. Our team of highly experienced gastroenterologists utilizes cutting-edge technologies to both diagnose and treat a wide array of conditions that affect the human digestive system. Tampa General Hospital is recognized as Top 20 in the Nation and the Highest-Ranked Hospital in Florida for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24.
Use Physician Finder or call 1-800-833-3627 to find a TGH colon and rectal surgeon who performs diverticulitis surgery.
