A diverticulum is a small pouch that forms in the wall of your intestine or urinary tract. While some diverticula remain harmless and cause no issues, others can lead to discomfort, infections, or complications if they become inflamed, bleed, or obstruct normal function.
Many people with a diverticulum have no symptoms at first. When problems develop, you may experience:
Diverticula form when the inner lining of an organ pushes through a weak spot in the muscular wall. Common factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, our dedicated team specializes in diverticulum care-offering advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support every step of the way. Whether it's dietary guidance, non-invasive therapies, or minimally invasive procedures, we're committed to helping you achieve lasting relief and a better quality of life. Book your appointment now to take charge of your digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
A bladder diverticulum is a pouch that forms in the wall of the bladder. It can collect urine, leading to stasis and a higher risk of urinary tract infections or stones.
No. Many diverticula remain small and asymptomatic. However, some can bleed, become infected, cause pain or blockages, and require medical or surgical intervention.
Urethral diverticula are most accurately detected with MRI. This imaging test clearly shows the location and size of the pouch relative to the urethra.
The "rule of 2" refers to Meckel's diverticulum affecting about 2% of the population, being roughly 2 inches long, located about 2 feet from the ileocecal valve, often presenting before age 2, and containing two types of ectopic tissue.
The ICD-10 code for an uncomplicated duodenal diverticulum is K57.91, indicating diverticulosis of the small intestine without perforation or abscess.
Treatment may start with antibiotics to clear infections. If symptoms persist or complications arise, surgical removal of the diverticulum may be recommended.
Yes. A high-fiber diet helps soften stool, reduces pressure on the bowel wall, and can lower the risk of developing colonic diverticula or worsening existing ones.
Symptoms can include painless rectal bleeding leading to anemia, abdominal pain, or signs of intestinal obstruction, especially in children.
Not necessarily. Many diverticula are managed with diet changes, increased fluids, and medications. Surgery is reserved for persistent complications such as abscess, bleeding, or obstruction.
GastroDoxs in Katy offers specialized evaluation, diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans for all types of diverticula. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
