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Meckel's Diverticulitis Doctor - Dr. Rishi Chadha

Meckel diverticulitis is a condition that takes place when a little pouch in your small intestine which is present at birth is inflamed or infected leading to the symptoms of appendicitis. Here, the diagnosis and minimally invasive therapy by board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Rishi Chadha at GastroDoxs in Houston will bring relief fast.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
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American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Rishi Chadha

About the Expert

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

What Is Meckel's Diverticulitis?

The diverticulitis is an infection or swelling of a small pouch known as the Meckel diverticulum. This pouch develops on the small intestine in prenatal stages and it is seen in approximately 2/100 of individuals. The majority of the population are completely unaware of its existence, until it flares up and then gives rise to some ailments resembling appendicitis.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • A pouch present since birth
  • Known as the overgrowth of bacteria in the pouch.
  • Dark content, feces or excavio in the pouch.
  • Being male or a young adult
  • Little to no family history of such condition.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Stomach pains (usually around the belly button or down the right side) which are sharp.
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Belly swelling or gas
  • Rectal bleeding or tarry (occasionally) Stools.

How Dr. Rishi Chadha Diagnoses Meckel's Diverticulitis

1. Medical History & Physical Exam

Dr. Chadha starts with an evaluation of your symptoms, i.e. pain in your abdomen, fever or bleeding and your family and medical history. Diluted physical examination allows identifying pain in the area of the belly button or the lower right torso.

2. Bloodwork

Regular labs test the presence of a high level of white blood cells, evidence of infection and inflammation that favorably points to the diagnosis of diverticulitis.

3. Imaging Studies

  • CT Scan: The standard reference point to monitor the inflamed Meckel which matches to the plausive Meckel pouch, complication presence such as abscess and perforation as well as treatment plan directions.
  • Abdominal Ultrasound: When CT is contraindicated, regardless of the presence of a fluid-filled or thickened pouch, a radiation-free method is available, being ultrasound.

4. Diagnosis & Coding

After confirmation Dr. Chadha records the status as ICD-10 code K57.8 so as to be properly billed, have insurance coverage and get the follow-up care simplified.

Dr. Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Treatment Options at GastroDoxs

1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips

  • Low fiber low fiber Diet Use low fiber diet when in a flare-up.
  • Consume lots of clear fluids to keep oneself hydrated.
  • Gradually resume high-fiber food in the process of relieving symptoms.
  • Eat little but often, to allow your stomach to break down easily.

2. Medications

  • Antibiotics as an infection remedy.
  • Painkillers (prescription drugs, prescribed)
  • Drugs to reduce swelling- anti-inflamous.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

  • The operation to be laparoscopic and remove the inflamed pouch.
  • Draining Draining in case of abscess or fluid.
Rishi Chadha

About the Author

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meckel's diverticulitis?

It is inflammatory or infectious of a small disease ( Meckel diverticulum ) of the small intestine at birth.

What are the common symptoms?

Stabbing pains (around the belly button or the lower right side), fever, nausea or vomiting, bloating, and possibly blood or black-colored faeces.

What causes Meckel's diverticulitis?

A bacterial, food, stool, or scar tissue irritation or blockage into the pouch- more typical in males and the young adult.

How is it diagnosed?

Dr. Chadha examines your history and orders bloodwork to test the presence of the infection, applies the ultrasound or CT with the help of images. We document it with ICD-10 code K57.8.

Can it be treated without surgery?

Yes. Mild cases are often treated with improvements through the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, rest and change of diet.

When is surgery needed?

In case of persistent symptoms or additional complications (abscess/fluid), laparoscopic pouch removal or image-directed drainage can be suggested in order to take into account the minimum invasions.

What is the recovery time after surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery enables most patients to heal in 1-2 weeks experiencing less pain and quicker recovery after the surgery.

How should I adjust my diet during a flare-up?

A low-fiber but clear-liquid diet should be adhered to until one feels better and then fiberous food supplies and small and frequent meals should slowly resume.

Are there risks if left untreated?

The untreated yes- inflammation may cause frequent infections, abscesses, bleeding or bowel obstruction.

Where is Dr. Rishi Chadha located?

GastroDoxs, at Houston (bordering the Texas Medical Center). Visit by making a call.

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