Diverticular Disease

Advanced Diverticular Disease Care in Chicago

What Is Diverticular Disease?

Diverticular disease is a condition affecting the colon in which small pouches, called diverticula, develop in weak areas of the intestinal wall. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is known as diverticulitis.

Many patients with diverticulosis may not experience symptoms, while others can develop abdominal pain, bloating, bowel habit changes, infection, or complications requiring medical treatment. At Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center, Dr. Jihad Kudsi provides comprehensive evaluation and advanced minimally invasive treatment for diverticular disease and other digestive disorders affecting patients throughout Chicago and nearby western suburban communities.

Symptoms of Diverticular Disease

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition and whether inflammation or infection is present. Common symptoms include:

Lower abdominal pain, often on the left side
Bloating or abdominal discomfort
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Fever or chills
Rectal bleeding
Pain that worsens after eating

Patients with diverticulitis may experience more severe pain, infection, or complications requiring urgent medical attention.

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of diverticular disease is not fully understood, but several factors may increase risk, including:

Aging
Low-fiber diet
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Chronic constipation
Increased pressure within the colon

Diverticular disease becomes more common with age and is frequently seen in adults over 40.

Diagnosis of Diverticular Disease

Accurate diagnosis is important to determine the extent of disease and identify complications.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

Physical examination
Blood tests
CT scan
Colonoscopy
Imaging studies of the colon

These tests help identify inflammation, infection, bleeding, abscesses, or other complications associated with diverticular disease.

Treatment Options for Diverticular Disease

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and whether complications are present.

Lifestyle & Dietary Management

Patients with mild diverticular disease may benefit from:

Increased dietary fiber
Adequate hydration
Regular exercise
Weight management
Healthy bowel habits

A high-fiber diet may help support colon health and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

Medical Management

Treatment for diverticulitis may include:

Antibiotics
Pain management
Temporary dietary modifications
Monitoring for complications

Some patients with severe infection may require hospitalization for IV fluids and antibiotics.

Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery

When diverticular disease becomes recurrent, severe, or complicated, surgery may be recommended.

Dr. Jihad Kudsi specializes in advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques for digestive and colorectal conditions. Surgical treatment may involve removal of the diseased portion of the colon while preserving healthy bowel tissue whenever possible.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery may include:

Smaller incisions
Reduced postoperative discomfort
Shorter hospital stay
Faster recovery
Reduced scarring

Possible Complications

Without proper treatment, diverticular disease may lead to complications such as:

Abscess formation
Colon perforation
Bleeding
Intestinal obstruction
Fistulas
Peritonitis

Early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce the risk of serious complications.

Expert Digestive & Minimally Invasive Surgical Care

Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center is led by Dr. Jihad Kudsi, a nationally recognized surgeon specializing in minimally invasive, robotic, bariatric, foregut, and digestive surgery. Dr. Kudsi combines advanced surgical expertise with personalized patient care to help individuals achieve long-term digestive health and improved quality of life.

The practice provides comprehensive treatment for patients throughout Chicago, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and surrounding communities.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing abdominal pain, bowel changes, bloating, or symptoms of diverticular disease, contact Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center to schedule a consultation and learn more about available treatment options.

For in-depth information please visit Dr. Kudsi’s website: Diverticular Disease

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