Colon Diverticula: What They Are and How to Treat Them

Colon Diverticula: Definition and Treatment with a Proctologist

 Colonic diverticula are small sacs in the colon wall , most commonly in the  left colon , which often cause no symptoms. However , in some cases they cause numerous and varied symptoms when they become inflamed (diverticulitis): abdominal pain , especially localized on the left side, fever , constipation and diarrhea , and sometimes blood and mucus discharge.

Diverticulosis, once the prerogative of the elderly population, is also increasing in frequency in middle age due to changes in eating habits, characterised above all by a low intake of fibre .

Diagnosis is possible with barium enema, colonoscopy , and more recently with CT enema.

Diverticulosis benefits from a fiber-rich diet and regular bowel movements; combining probiotic lactic acid bacteria with local antibiotics in cycles may be helpful. Surgical treatment is necessary when medical therapy has failed to prevent the inflammation from becoming chronic and irreversibly narrowing a portion of the colon, which must therefore be removed. This type of surgery can also be performed in specialized centers using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy .

Diverticulitis, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as intestinal obstruction or perforated peritonitis, which require emergency surgical treatment.

Contact us and make an appointment with the

Dr. Gaetano Tessera
, Medical Surgeon,
Specialist in General Surgery, Digestive System Surgery, and Surgical Digestive Endoscopy – Colonproctologist

San Martino Vergiate Specialist Center, Varese

The San Martino Specialist Center in  Vergiate  (Varese), a hub between the province’s main hospitals (Gallarate, Varese, Angera, Cittiglio, Busto Arsizio, and Arona), is easily accessible from the A8 motorway (Sesto Calende/Vergiate exit) and 15 km from Milan Malpensa Airport. The facility offers a large parking lot as well as reserved parking spaces for guests. Located on the ground floor, it fully complies with regulations regarding architectural barriers. The facility features convenient corridors and comfortable offices. Services are conducted in a reception area with specially trained staff.