Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease is a common condition that is characterized by a weakness in the wall of the large bowel.  This weakness can form pockets called diverticuli. The diverticuli can cause bleeding or can become inflamed.  This condition is called divertulitis. Often diverticuli cause no symptoms, but if symptoms are present, they may include irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, passing of blood in stool, and rectal bleeding. Some people develop peritonitis, which occurs when the inflammation spreads to the abdominal lining.

Surgery is sometimes needed for problems related to diverticulitis and, when indicated, generally involves removing a small portion of the large bowel to prevent further complications of the disease. We approach these cases with minimally invasive, state-of-the-art techniques that result in the shortest recovery time possible.