If you are over the age of 60, you may be among millions of Americans who have a condition called diverticulosis. While most people with this condition do not have any noticeable problems, 10 to 25% will develop a more serious condition called diverticulitis. For expert diverticulitis treatment in Los Angeles, look to colorectal surgeon Dr. Zuri Murrell.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis starts when pouches called diverticula form within the lining of the colon. These pouches bulge outward at weak spots along the colon. This initial condition is called diverticulosis and for most people does not cause problems. When the pouches become inflamed or infected the condition is called diverticulitis and must be treated and carefully managed to both clear up infection and reduce inflammation.

This not only gives patients relief from the pain and cramping that occurs with diverticulitis, but prevents more serious complications such as peritonitis. Peritonitis occurs when the pouches rupture leaking bacteria into the abdominal cavity. In this case immediate emergency medical treatment is necessary.

Causes of Diverticulitis

While the cause of the preceding condition (diverticulosis) is linked to a diet low in fiber, there is a direct relationship to age and this disease. In the development of diverticulitis, there are several risk factors that are present in many cases seen by Dr. Murrell. These include:

Obesity
Smoking
Lack of Exercise
Low fiber diet high in animal fats
Certain drugs such as opiates and steroids

Diverticulitis Symptoms

Symptoms for diverticulitis can be similar to those from other digestive tract diseases such as stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Murrell urges anyone with these symptoms to arrange an appointment so that proper diagnosis can be done.

Diverticulitis usually causes pain along the left side of the abdomen, which can last several days. People who experience pain along the right side should not dismiss it as unrelated to diverticulitis without having an examination.

Other symptoms are nausea and vomiting with or without a fever, tenderness around the abdomen and a change in bowel habits. White blood cell count can be high if infection is present. Constipation or diarrhea can be symptoms with most people having constipation and difficulty passing broken round shaped stools. Blood can sometimes be present with bowel movements.

Diverticulitis Diagnosis

Dr. Murrell can use several tests to either confirm diverticulitis or to discover the source of the presented symptoms. After asking questions about bowel habits, medications, diet and exercise habits he can arrange further diagnostic tests, which can include:

Blood test – to detect infection
Stool sample – to detect bleeding in the digestive tract
CT scan, X-ray, Ultrasound – to see inside the digestive tract
Physical rectal exam – to check for blockage, pain and bleeding
Colonoscopy – to detect diverticulitis and to screen for colon cancer

Treatment of Diverticulitis

Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and whether or not it is done on an emergency basis. Emergency surgery is necessary in cases of peritonitis, which is very serious. Other situations requiring emergency surgery would be bleeding from the diverticula that is persistent or continues to occur over time.

Some treatment options are prescribed antibiotics, a change in diet and possibly bed rest. Severe pain may require a hospital stay and intravenous antibiotic treatment. Surgical drainage or removal of infected material may be necessary in cases of a perforated abscess or if the colon has become obstructed from repeated incidents of diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis Surgery

For patients with acute diverticulitis, a colon resection is often the most effective surgical solution. This procedure involves removing the diseased or inflamed portion of the colon to prevent further complications and restore digestive health. This surgery is highly successful, with over 90% of patients experiencing no further flare-ups once fully recovered.

In situations where a severe infection is present, the treatment may be divided into two separate stages to ensure the safest possible outcome. Initially, a temporary colostomy may be performed to allow the colon to heal undisturbed by redirecting waste to an external collection bag. Once the infection has fully cleared and the tissue is healthy, a second procedure is performed to reverse the colostomy and reattach the colon, returning the patient to normal function.

Insurance

Dr. Murrell is in a network with Medicare and Tricare Select. He is a non-contracted provider with all PPO plans. Please call to confirm your specific insurance plan, as coverage and benefits may vary. As a top doctor for diverticulitis treatment in Beverly Hills, Dr. Murrell and his team are happy to assist with any insurance-related questions and help you navigate your coverage options.

Why Choose Dr. Murrell for Diverticulitis Treatment in Los Angeles?

Dr. Murrell is a world-renowned colorectal surgeon serving West Hollywood, Los Alamitos, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, and beyond. He provides expert diverticulitis treatment in Los Angeles and restores the quality of life for patients struggling with this and other conditions, such as colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, colitis, and IBS. Dr. Murrell is board-certified in colorectal surgery and was voted Top Doctor for Colon and Rectal Surgeries from 2015-2020 by his peers in Los Angeles Magazine.

Furthermore, Dr. Murrell takes his time helping patients understand their diagnoses and empowering them with personalized treatment options. As a nationally recognized colorectal surgeon and colonoscopy doctor in Los Angeles, he gives back to the community by training colleagues and students at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. So why delay? Contact us today for a consultation and take control of your health and wellness.

Dr. Zuri Murrell Credentials

Named to Southern California Super Doctors® 2015-2017
Director of the Colorectal Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai
Double board-certified and one of the surgeons in the west coast specifically trained in minimally invasive colorectal surgery
Magna Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College
Medical Degree at the University of California, Los Angeles
Top Doctor for Colon and Rectal Surgeries in 2015-2018

Member of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Member of the American Board of Surgery
Member of the American Medical Association
Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery From Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in 2008
Fellowship in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery from the University of California, Irvine in 2007

Diverticulitis FAQs

What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis is a common condition where small pouches, called diverticula, form in the lining of the colon. Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis, which can cause significant pain and other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

The most common symptom is abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side, which can last for several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and changes in bowel habits.

What are the common treatments for diverticulitis?

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be managed with antibiotics and a temporary change in diet to rest the colon. More severe cases may require a hospital stay, IV antibiotics, or even surgery.

When is surgery necessary for diverticulitis?

Surgery is necessary for serious complications like peritonitis (ruptured pouches leaking bacteria), a perforated abscess, or a blockage in the colon. It may also be recommended if there are repeated incidents of diverticulitis.

What is the role of diet in managing diverticulitis?

During a flare-up, a clear liquid or low-fiber diet is often recommended to give the colon a rest. After recovery, a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is advised to help prevent future flare-ups.

Can a colonoscopy be used to diagnose diverticulitis?

A colonoscopy is typically not performed during an acute flare-up due to the risk of perforation. However, it is often recommended about six weeks after symptoms have cleared to confirm the diagnosis and check for other issues.

How is diverticulitis diagnosed?

Dr. Murrell can diagnose diverticulitis through a combination of a physical exam, a review of your symptoms, and diagnostic tests. A CT scan is often used to confirm inflammation and abscesses. Blood and stool tests may also be performed.