Diverticular Disease & Diverticulitis — Treatment in Lucknow
Diverticular disease is a very common condition in which small pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the colon, especially as we get older. Most people never know they have them. Sometimes, however, a pouch becomes inflamed or infected — called diverticulitis — or bleeds, and then treatment is needed.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma treats diverticular disease and its complications in Lucknow at Medanta, from simple medical management to surgery for the minority who need it.
What is diverticular disease?
Diverticula are small, balloon-like pouches that push out through weak points in the colon wall. Simply having them (diverticulosis) usually causes no symptoms. Problems arise when a pouch becomes inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), or when one bleeds. Most attacks of diverticulitis settle with medical treatment.
Symptoms to watch for
- Often none — many people have diverticula without symptoms
- Lower-left abdominal pain, especially during a flare of diverticulitis
- Fever with an attack of diverticulitis
- A change in bowel habit, bloating or cramping
- Sometimes rectal bleeding
Causes & risk factors
- Increasing age
- A low-fibre diet and constipation
- Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
- Genetic predisposition
How it is diagnosed
- CT scan — the main test during an attack of diverticulitis
- Colonoscopy once any acute inflammation has settled
- Blood tests showing infection or inflammation
How diverticular disease is treated
Most attacks of diverticulitis are treated medically — with rest, dietary measures and, when needed, antibiotics. A high-fibre diet helps prevent further attacks. Surgery is reserved for complications such as an abscess, a perforation, a fistula, a narrowing of the bowel, or for recurrent severe attacks that affect quality of life.
When surgery is needed, the affected segment of colon is removed, increasingly by laparoscopic (keyhole) technique. Dr Verma will advise honestly whether your situation can be managed medically or whether surgery is the better course.
When to see a GI surgeon
- Persistent lower-abdominal pain, especially on the left, with fever
- Rectal bleeding
- Repeated attacks of diverticulitis affecting your life
Diverticular Disease: common questions
Does diverticular disease need surgery?
Usually not. Most attacks of diverticulitis settle with medical treatment, and a high-fibre diet helps prevent recurrence. Surgery is reserved for complications — such as an abscess, perforation or narrowing — or for recurrent severe attacks. Dr Verma will advise based on your situation.
Can diverticulitis be confused with cancer?
The symptoms can overlap, which is why a colonoscopy is usually recommended after an attack of diverticulitis has settled — to confirm the diagnosis and rule out colon cancer. Proper assessment ensures nothing more serious is missed.
Concerned about diverticular disease?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.