November 11, 2019
Let’s face it, talking about stool is hardly anyone’s favorite conversation. However, when our toilet habits start affecting our daily life and health, it can be hard to think about anything else. This is the case for people diagnosed with Diverticular disease, a condition that might sound scary, but that is actually far more common than you’d think. In fact, up to half of all Americans will present this condition by the age of 50! Impressive, right? Due to its great incidence, increasing awareness about this disease and its treatment options is essential. If you have been recently diagnosed with this condition and are curious to learn more about it, read on! Improving your quality of life, with the advice of your Dallas colorectal surgeon, is totally possible.
What Is Diverticular Disease?
The diverticular disease presents itself with the formation of small outward protruding pouches or sacs that form on the large intestine’s wall. Their apparition has been linked with dietary factors, specifically with a low ingestion of fiber. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle has also been shown to be a significant risk factor.
What Are The Symptoms?
Diverticulosis or the presence of several diverticula (protruding sacs) isn’t necessarily symptomatic. In fact, the majority of patients with this condition don’t present any symptoms. Most of the time, the problem is diagnosed by chance during an unsuspecting test such as a CT scan or colonoscopy.
However, not all cases develop silently. For some people, presenting a variation of the disease called, Diverticulitis uncomfortable symptoms can occur. Diverticulitis takes place when the colon sacs or pouches experience inflammation. This regularly occurs as a result of infection or perforation of the diverticular sac.
One of the main symptoms patients experience is lower abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea, and even fever. When complications, such as perforation, arise though, symptoms can vary.
What Are The Treatment Options?
In many cases, diverticular disease can be managed conservatively, by following lifestyle recommendations and with medication recommended by a Dallas colorectal surgeon. With diverticulitis, antibiotics might become part of the treatment approach.
However, when diverticular sacs bleed or become perforated, the condition will need to be managed carefully by an experienced Dallas, Fort Worth colorectal surgeon. They will most likely manage the complications in the OR. This might include removing a part of your large intestine and closing any fistulas than might have formed.
If you identify any alarming symptoms, such as significant bleeding in your stools, visit your Fort Worth colorectal surgeon immediately for an evaluation.
Diagnosed with Diverticular Disease? Colorectal Surgeons At DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery Can Help
At DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery we have an experienced team of Colorectal surgeons that can help you manage the diverticular disease and other GI conditions. With our team’s minimally invasive approach, patients experience less scarring and quicker recoveries. When it comes to your health, choose the best technology and colorectal surgeons available in the Dallas Fort Worth area! Need an evaluation? Make an appointment today by calling 469-620-0222.