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Diverticulum

Diverticulum

We provide specialized assessment and care of diverticulum and guide you about your digestive system and the management of your digestive conditions in the form of personalized care and evidence-based treatment regimens.

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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Is a Diverticulum?

A diverticulum is a little pouch which develops in the wall of an organ-usually in the throat, intestine, bladder or urethra. It arises due to the pressure of the insulin pressing the lining through a vulnerable point in the muscular wall producing an outpouching that may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms and complications.

Common Symptoms

A large number of individuals that have a diverticulum do not exhibit symptoms. In case of certain symptoms, they depend on the place and size of the pouch. You may notice:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Bloating or excess gas
  • Find it hard to swallow (Zanker diverticulum of the throat)
  • Regular UTI or dysuria (urinary tract or urethral diverticulum)
  • The inability to withhold or empty the bladder
  • Tarry, tarry bowel motions or rectal hemorrhage (Meckelian diverticulum of the small bowel)
  • Sexual pain or a swelling that can be felt along the urethra (urethral diverticulum)

Causes

Diverticula develop when stress within a body organ presses against the inner lining with the outer wall in a point of weakness. The typical contributing factors are:

  • Difficulty urinating or chronically constipated
  • Muscle thinning as a result of aging
  • Chronic inflammation or localized infection
  • Inborn malformations (e.g. the diverticulum of Meckel at birth)
Treatment

Treatment Options for Diverticulum in Cypress, TX

The interventions involve changes in lifestyle and medical services:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Eat more fiber (fruits, vegetables and whole grains); take lots of water; exercise to maintain gut pressure at normal levels.
  • Medication: Infected pouches and fiber supplements to aid in preventing future flare-ups.
  • Tests and Imaging: CT scans to determine inflammation of the colon or small intestines, and ultrasound to assess bladder diverticula.
  • Surgery:
    • Colon resection of large or inflamed colonic pouches.
    • Zenker Endoscopic or open surgery of the throat.
    • Laparoscopic resection of Meckel diverticulum in case of symptoms.

Take the Next Step

Do not be held up by the symptoms of the diverticulum. Request an appointment with the help of an online booking or call GastroDoxs in Cypress today so that you could receive prompt, personalized service. Our board-certified experts are also willing to offer you specialized diagnosis, caring care, and continuous care to help you feel better and attain sustainable relief and improved digestion.

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Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

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Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plural of diverticulum?

The diverticulum takes the plural form of diverticula.

What is Meckel's diverticulum?

In the small intestine, a pouch in the form of Meckel’s diverticulum is a birth defect. It is the rule of 2s: It occurs in approximately a 2 percent of individuals, is approximately 2 inches in length, and is approximately 2 feet below the ileocecal valve.

How is Meckel's diverticulum treated?

When Meckel diverticulum gives out pain, or bleeding, or other complications it is often advised that it is removed giving up a surgery-usually through a laparoscopic operation of the least invasiveness.

What is Zenker's diverticulum?

The diverticulum referred to by Zenker is a pouch that develops behind the throat (pharynx), and this might result in swallowing problems and aspiration.

How is Zenker's diverticulum diagnosed?

A diverticulum is usually diagnosed in Zenker by means of barium swallow X-ray which sketches the pouch on a radiograph.

What are the treatment options for Zenker's diverticulum?

The diverticulum of Zenker might be endoscopically (by using a scope) removable or surgically removed (open surgery) where the pouch and end of the pouch is divided into two parts to allow normal swallowing.

Can bladder diverticula be seen on ultrasound?

Yes. Ultrasound has proven to be efficient in imaging of the bladder wall pouches (diverticula), their size, and any complications related to them.

When should I see a doctor about diverticula?

Consultation should be attended in case of abdominal pain (or pain in the lower left), bowel movements, bloating, fever, and blood in the stool.

Can diet help prevent diverticula complications?

Dietary intervention: high-fiber diet, augmenting in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains colon-reducing pressure and decreasing your risk of getting diverticula issues: drinking enough water, exercising.

Where can I find a specialist in Cypress, TX?

GastroDoxs in Cypress has board-certified gastroenterologists that diagnose and treat all forms of diverticula with a personal approach and expediency of testing and treatment.

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DEBUG anatomy: Diverticulum