How long does recovery from diverticulitis typically take. What are the main symptoms of diverticulitis to watch out for. What treatment options are available for uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis.

Understanding Diverticulitis: Causes and Prevalence

Diverticulitis is a condition that affects many individuals, particularly as they age. It stems from diverticulosis, a condition where small pouches form in the colon wall due to weaknesses. Approximately 58% of Americans over 60 have diverticulosis, though most are unaware of it. While diverticulosis itself is usually asymptomatic, a small percentage of those affected may develop diverticulitis when these pouches become inflamed or infected.

Is diverticulitis preventable? To some extent, yes. Maintaining a high-fiber diet can help protect against the development of diverticulosis, which in turn reduces the risk of diverticulitis. However, factors like age and genetic predisposition also play a role in its occurrence.

Recognizing the Signs: Key Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Identifying diverticulitis early is crucial for proper management and treatment. The most common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, typically on the lower left side
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal bloating and cramping
• Changes in bowel movements

When should you seek medical attention for suspected diverticulitis? If you experience persistent or worsening abdominal pain, fever, bloody stools, or severe bloating accompanied by vomiting, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious form of the condition that requires prompt medical intervention.

Diagnosing Diverticulitis: Medical Tests and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of diverticulitis is essential for determining the appropriate treatment approach. Physicians typically employ a combination of methods to confirm the condition and assess its severity:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. Blood tests to check for signs of infection and inflammation
3. Imaging studies, particularly CT scans, to visualize the affected areas of the colon
4. In some cases, colonoscopy may be recommended after the acute phase has resolved

How do doctors differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis? The distinction is made based on the results of blood tests and imaging studies. Uncomplicated diverticulitis involves inflammation or infection confined to one section of the colon, while complicated diverticulitis presents with additional issues such as abscesses, perforations, or fistulas.

Treatment Approaches for Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

Uncomplicated diverticulitis, the less severe form of the condition, can often be managed with conservative treatment measures. The primary goals are to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and promote healing of the inflamed colon.

Antibiotic Therapy

Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed to combat the infection associated with diverticulitis. These medications help reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.

Dietary Modifications

What dietary changes are recommended for diverticulitis recovery? Initially, patients are often advised to follow a clear liquid diet for a few days to allow the bowel to rest. This is followed by a gradual transition to a low-fiber diet (approximately 10-15 grams of fiber per day) until symptoms improve. As the condition resolves, patients can slowly reintroduce fiber into their diet.

Rest and Monitoring

Adequate rest is crucial during the recovery period. Patients are advised to monitor their symptoms closely and report any worsening or new symptoms to their healthcare provider. In most cases, improvement is noticeable within about three days of starting treatment.

Are there cases where hospitalization is necessary for uncomplicated diverticulitis? Yes, some patients may require inpatient care, particularly those over 65 or with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In these cases, intravenous antibiotics and closer monitoring may be necessary.

Managing Complicated Diverticulitis: Advanced Treatment Options

Complicated diverticulitis requires more intensive treatment due to the presence of serious complications. The approach often involves a combination of medical and surgical interventions, depending on the specific complication present.

Extended Antibiotic Therapy

Patients with complicated diverticulitis typically receive a longer course of intravenous antibiotics to effectively combat the infection and reduce inflammation. This may be followed by oral antibiotics upon discharge from the hospital.

Abscess Drainage

How are diverticular abscesses treated? If an abscess doesn’t respond to antibiotics alone, a minimally invasive procedure may be necessary. Using CT guidance, a doctor can insert a needle to drain the collected pus, relieving pressure and allowing for better healing.

Surgical Interventions

In cases of severe complications such as perforations, fistulas, or recurrent episodes of diverticulitis, surgery may be required. The specific procedure depends on the nature and extent of the complication:

• Colon resection: Removal of the affected portion of the colon
• Bowel reconnection: Reattaching healthy segments of the colon after resection
• Temporary colostomy: In some cases, a temporary opening in the abdominal wall may be created to allow the colon to heal

What factors influence the decision to perform surgery for diverticulitis? The choice to proceed with surgical intervention is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the presence of complications, the patient’s overall health, and the frequency of diverticulitis episodes.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Diverticulitis Treatment

The recovery period following diverticulitis treatment can vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment received. Understanding the typical timeline can help patients set realistic expectations and optimize their recovery process.

Recovery from Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

For cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis treated with antibiotics and dietary modifications:

• Symptom improvement: Usually noticeable within 2-3 days of starting treatment
• Full recovery: Most patients feel significantly better within 7-10 days
• Diet normalization: Gradual return to regular diet over 2-4 weeks

How soon can patients return to normal activities after uncomplicated diverticulitis? Most individuals can resume their regular routines within 1-2 weeks, provided they follow their doctor’s recommendations and their symptoms have resolved.

Recovery from Complicated Diverticulitis

The recovery timeline for complicated diverticulitis is generally longer and more variable:

• Hospitalization: May last 5-7 days or longer, depending on the severity of complications
• Post-surgical recovery: Can range from 4-6 weeks for minimally invasive procedures to 6-8 weeks for open surgery
• Full recovery: May take several months, especially if a temporary colostomy was required

What factors can influence the recovery time from complicated diverticulitis? The patient’s age, overall health, the specific complications encountered, and adherence to post-treatment care instructions all play a role in determining the length and quality of recovery.

Preventing Recurrence: Long-term Management of Diverticular Disease

After recovering from an episode of diverticulitis, taking steps to prevent future occurrences is crucial. Long-term management strategies focus on lifestyle modifications and ongoing medical care to reduce the risk of recurrence and maintain colon health.

Dietary Recommendations

A high-fiber diet is generally recommended for preventing diverticulitis recurrence. Patients are often advised to:

• Gradually increase fiber intake to 25-35 grams per day
• Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in their diet
• Stay well-hydrated to support proper digestion

Are there specific foods to avoid for diverticulitis prevention? While older recommendations suggested avoiding nuts, seeds, and popcorn, current evidence doesn’t support this restriction. However, individuals should pay attention to their own dietary triggers and consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Lifestyle Modifications

Several lifestyle factors can influence the risk of diverticulitis recurrence:

• Regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week
• Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques or engage in stress-reducing activities
• Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can improve overall digestive health
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of complications

Ongoing Medical Care

Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are important for monitoring diverticular disease and addressing any concerns promptly. This may include:

• Periodic colonoscopies to assess colon health
• Discussions about symptom management and prevention strategies
• Adjustments to treatment plans as needed

How often should patients with a history of diverticulitis have follow-up appointments? The frequency of follow-up care depends on individual factors, but generally, an annual check-up is recommended, with more frequent visits if symptoms recur or complications develop.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Diverticulitis Management

As medical understanding of diverticular disease continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to treatment and prevention. These emerging areas of study offer hope for improved management strategies and potentially better outcomes for patients with diverticulitis.

Probiotics and Gut Microbiome Research

There is growing interest in the role of the gut microbiome in diverticular disease. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of diverticulitis or aiding in recovery. However, more research is needed to establish definitive recommendations.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Advancements in surgical technology are leading to less invasive procedures for treating complicated diverticulitis. These techniques may offer benefits such as:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Faster recovery times
• Lower risk of complications

How do these new surgical approaches compare to traditional methods? While early results are promising, long-term studies are ongoing to fully assess the efficacy and safety of these innovative techniques compared to conventional surgery.

Personalized Treatment Protocols

Researchers are working to develop more tailored treatment approaches based on individual patient factors. This may include:

• Genetic testing to identify predisposition to diverticular disease
• Biomarker analysis to guide antibiotic therapy
• Customized dietary interventions based on gut microbiome profiles

What potential benefits could personalized medicine offer for diverticulitis patients? By tailoring treatments to individual characteristics, doctors may be able to improve treatment efficacy, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and better prevent recurrences.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Some patients and researchers are exploring complementary approaches to managing diverticular disease, including:

• Herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory properties
• Acupuncture for pain management
• Mind-body techniques for stress reduction

While these approaches may offer potential benefits, it’s crucial for patients to discuss any alternative treatments with their healthcare provider to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions with conventional therapies.

As research in these areas progresses, patients with diverticulitis may have access to a wider range of treatment options and preventive strategies in the future. Staying informed about these developments and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help individuals make the best decisions for their digestive health.

Looking out for diverticulitis – Harvard Health

Most people don’t have much in common with Pope Francis. But about 200,000 Americans each year can now say they share an experience with the head of the Catholic Church: they had surgery for diverticulitis.

Although Pope Francis recovered well from his procedure in July, it shed light on this potentially serious condition of the colon. If you have questions about why diverticulitis occurs, the most common signs of this condition, and how it is treated, read on.

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis arises from a condition called diverticulosis, which occurs when weak areas in the inner wall of the colon bulge outward and form tiny pouches. Many people get diverticulosis as they age. In fact, diverticulosis affects about 58% of US adults over age 60. Getting enough fiber in your diet can help protect against diverticulosis.

Most people are unaware they even have this condition. Often the diagnosis of diverticulosis is first mentioned in a report when a person has a colonoscopy or had an abdominal CT scan for another reason. Diverticulosis doesn’t cause symptoms, but people who have irritable bowel syndrome or who are prone to constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort after eating are more likely to have it.

“While diverticulosis is very common, only a small percentage of people who have it will ever develop diverticulitis caused by inflammation or infection of one of the pouches,” says Dr. Matthew Hamilton, a gastroenterologist with Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Know the signs of diverticulitis

The most common symptoms of diverticulitis are abdominal pain (usually on the lower left side) and fever. The pain is distinct and sharp, and may strike over a few hours. Other symptoms may include a combination of loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating and cramping, and not passing gas or stool.

A mild case of diverticulitis that causes only minimal pain in the lower abdomen can resolve on its own within a day or two. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms are not going away or you are feeling worse, such as having increasing pain, fever, bloody stools, or abdominal bloating with vomiting.

Treatment depends on whether you have uncomplicated or complicated diverticulitis. Your doctor can determine this by using a combination of blood tests and imaging studies, such as a CT scan.

How is uncomplicated diverticulitis treated?

As the name implies, uncomplicated diverticulitis is the less serious of the two. It means that the inflammation or infection is confined to one section of the colon, and that there is no evidence of complicating factors.

Uncomplicated diverticulitis is typically treated at home with oral antibiotics. You’ll also be prescribed “bowel rest” for a few days, which often includes a clear liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest and heal, and may reduce pain. Additionally, you’ll follow a low-fiber diet (about 10 to 15 grams of fiber a day) until your symptoms improve.

Some people may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics. A hospital stay is more likely if you’re 65 or older or have other medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

People usually begin to feel improvement from treatment after about three days. If you feel well enough and the symptoms have subsided, you can gradually resume your regular diet.

If symptoms haven’t responded to antibiotics after a week, you probably will undergo CT scans and other tests to see if you have complicated diverticulitis.

How is complicated diverticulitis treated?

Complicated diverticulitis means you have a specific complication that requires a longer course of IV antibiotics, and possibly surgery.

Pope Francis had scarring in a segment of colon where he previously had diverticulitis, which had caused a narrowing in the colon called stenosis. In a case like this, the unhealthy part of the colon is removed, and the remaining colon is then reconnected.

Other types of complications that may occur during an active diverticulitis infection include:

• Abscess. A diverticular abscess is a collection of pus (a fluid that can form at the site of infection) outside of the intestinal wall. If the abscess doesn’t get better with antibiotics, a doctor will need to drain the pus using a needle, under guidance through images on a CT scan.
• Perforation. Diverticulitis can cause a hole in the colon that allows bowel contents to spill into the abdominal cavity. If you have a perforation, your abdomen may feel tender to touch, hard, or enlarged. Surgery repairs the hole. Sometimes part of the colon around the hole must be removed.
• Fistula. A fistula is an abnormal connection between the inflamed and infected segment of the colon and adjacent organs, such as other parts of the intestine or the bladder. Surgery consists of colon resection and removing the fistula.

Can diverticulitis be prevented?

Eating a high-fiber diet and managing stress may lower the risk of developing pouches in the colon known as diverticula. So it makes sense that these lifestyle interventions might help make diverticulitis less likely to occur. However, once you have diverticulosis, there is no proven way to prevent one of the diverticula from becoming infected or inflamed.

5 foods to eat and 5 to avoid

Pockets are all the rage in fashion these days, but pockets in your colon can cause some serious problems—namely diverticulitis, a painful medical condition that occurs when these small pockets, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected.

To be clear, many Americans (especially those older than 40) develop these small pouches in their colon wall; this is called diverticulosis or diverticular disease, and it usually isn’t a serious condition. You can have diverticula and never experience inflammation or infection, in fact, most people with diverticulosis will not experience problems. If you do, however, it’s called diverticulitis—and these acute attacks, or flare-ups, are not only painful but can be dangerous if left untreated.

Figuring out what causes diverticulitis for you, personally, is the most important thing you can do to manage your condition and avoid flare-ups…but you might not be aware yet of what your triggers are. Here are the foods generally considered safe and unsafe to eat—as well as how else you can manage your diverticulitis. 

How to manage diverticulitis with diet

While newly-diagnosed people often feel overwhelmed by the limitations of a diverticulitis diet, the good news is that you don’t need to be overly restrictive with what you eat or follow a special diet. There are a few  “golden rules” when it comes to choosing safe foods for diverticulitis that can make it easy to keep your stomach happy.

Know your triggers 

Each person with diverticulitis needs to base their diet around their own particular circumstances, according to Kathryn A. Boling, MD, primary care provider with Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville in Maryland. What bothers you might not bother someone else with diverticulitis; on the flip side, you might be able to eat foods that many other people can’t.

“Across populations, studies say you don’t have to worry about what you eat [normally], but patients often say to me, ‘I know we can eat whatever we want, but I’ve noticed things like nuts or popcorn cause problems for me,’” Dr. Boling says.

FYI, Dr. Boling suffers from diverticulitis herself…and her biggest trigger is blackberries. If something triggers your symptoms, avoid eating it even if it doesn’t go against “the rules.” 

Take it slow 

If you’ve recently had a diverticulitis attack and are getting back to eating normally again, it’s important to ease into your usual diet. This is especially important if you don’t know what caused your flare-up; otherwise, you run the risk of eating the exact thing that triggered your symptoms in the first place. You may then have to start all over again. It is also recommended to initially eat a low fiber diet during and immediately after a bout of diverticulitis. Examples of low-fiber foods include white bread, white rice, and white potatoes. Long-term, a diet full of fiber-rich foods is recommended.

Understand how to manage attacks

“What you eat when you have an acute attack is different than what you eat when you’re better,” explains Dr. Boling, who adds that during an attack you should stay away from any hard-to-digest foods and foods that pass through your GI system quickly (such as raw veggies and roughage).

If you’re not having an attack, on the other hand, it’s okay to eat any foods you know for sure are not a trigger for you.

5 (typically safe) foods to eat

Again, this list is subjective and something here may be a trigger for you. But in general, these foods tend to be easy on the intestines of people with diverticulitis.

1. Whole grain carbohydrates: If cereals and rice are tough for you to digest, try instant oatmeal, pasta or noodles, and whole grain bread, muffins, or wraps.
2. Lean protein: Eggs and tender cuts of meat (think shredded chicken, baked fish, and ground beef) are usually easy to digest.
3. Cooked fruits and vegetables: You may need to remove the skin if you believe it has caused irritation in the past.
4. Starchy foods, like potatoes: When your diet is high in starch, it’s friendly to your colon (however you may consider peeling the potatoes first).
5. Juice, tea, and water: Keep juice pulp-free so it doesn’t irritate your colon (like apple, grape, or cranberry, instead of orange).

5 foods to avoid

In the past, physicians used to recommend that patients with diverticulitis avoid all nuts, seeds, and corn products, but healthcare providers know now that those restrictions don’t need to be applied to all patients. Many people are able to eat these foods without issue.

Possibly unsafe foods to eat 

You may be able to eat these foods, eat them carefully or infrequently, or eat them in small amounts—or they may pose too much of a trigger for your colon. If that’s the case, you’re in good company; these are the foods that could potentially cause a diverticulitis flare-up.

1. Hard-to-chew foods: Hard foods that are difficult to break down are more likely to get trapped in the pockets of your colon.  
2. Medium-sized seeds or nuts: Sunflower seeds, for example, may be difficult on your digestion; strawberries seeds usually aren’t (though they could still bother you!).
3. Popcorn and corn on the cob: Because you tend to eat these foods quickly—rather than taking time to fully chew them—they are more likely to cause issues.
4. Red meat: Some studies suggest red meat can contribute to diverticulitis flares; one from 2018, published in Gut, showed an increase in attacks for men who consumed more red meat than other types of protein, like poultry and fish.
5. High-FODMAP foods: Some experts think following a low FODMAP diet can reduce the amount of pressure in the colon and limit the number of acute attacks a person with diverticulitis might have.

Are alcohol and coffee bad for diverticulitis? 

Not necessarily, though you definitely want to avoid alcohol and caffeine if you’re experiencing a diverticulitis attack.

“Coffee is a bowel stimulant, so if you’re having an attack you might want to stay away and rest your bowel,” says Dr. Boling, “but in the long run, people who have recovered can drink it.”

The same goes for alcohol, though Dr. Boling does warn that alcohol is hard on your stomach in general—and symptoms of other health conditions, like pancreatitis, can be similar to symptoms of a diverticulitis flare (making it hard to know if you’re treating your symptoms appropriately).

Diet for diverticulitis flare-ups

If you’re experiencing an acute diverticulitis attack and want to rest your bowel so it can recover faster, you might want to go on a clear liquid diet for one to two days, advises Dr. Boling. This means you can consume clear liquids of all kinds, including chicken broth, water or ice chips, Gatorade, no-pulp juice, herbal tea, or even Jell-O (since it’s digested as a liquid).

In other words, if you can see through it, you can eat or drink it, says Dr. Boling—and this type of short-term diet can be used to recover from an acute attack, to preempt an oncoming attack (when you start to feel symptoms), and even alongside antibiotics, should your healthcare provider prescribe them.

Symptoms of a diverticulitis flare-up include:

• Pain, often on your lower left side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cramping and bloating
• Fever
• Diarrhea or constipation

 Once the flare is under control, you can return to normal eating habits.

Other ways to keep diverticulitis under control

If you’ve done everything you can to identify your triggers and keep your symptoms under control, but are still living with flare-ups, you may be able to adopt a few lifestyle changes to control your diverticulitis. These can be done in addition to modifying your diet for diverticulitis.

Taking probiotics

Experts are still researching the effect of probiotics (or “good bacteria”) on diverticulitis, but what they’ve seen so far suggests it can be helpful for many patients. A 2019 study from the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences suggests that, when used with antibiotics, probiotics may help reduce the amount of abdominal pain during acute attacks.

Another review of studies, published in 2013 in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, is less certain that probiotics can help. However, the article does suggest that they may help, and that—at the very least—it doesn’t hurt to try. 

Exercising

It’s long been known that frequent physical activity can prevent diverticulitis symptoms. An often-sourced study from 2009, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that vigorous activity lowered the risk of diverticulitis and GI bleeding. 

However, that study did specify vigorous exercise, so walking may not be quite enough to reap the health benefits. Light and moderate forms of exercise didn’t show the same results. 

Taking vitamins or supplements

Fiber supplements are powerful for managing symptoms of diverticulitis, largely because it keeps stool moving through the colon. “If you keep stool soft, you can prevent the clogging of the diverticula,” explains Ashkan Farhadi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California. “In general, if you can manage to avoid constipation, it may prevent flare-ups.” A high-fiber diet—as long as it includes high-fiber foods that don’t irritate your system—can also be beneficial.

 He also suggests taking magnesium, which can strengthen the intestinal muscles and keep stools soft and regular. It’s been shown, says Dr. Farhadi, that foods rich in magnesium can prevent the progression of diverticulosis—but be aware that some of these foods are nuts, and you may be limited in eating them if they’re a trigger food for you.

 As far as other vitamins, some patients with diverticulitis wonder about vitamin D. Some studies have shown that people with higher vitamin D levels are less likely to develop diverticulitis. However, there’s not much research here, and a 2020 controlled trial looking at the link found no difference among diverticulitis hospitalizations between people who supplemented with vitamin D and those who didn’t.  

Taking medications

In more moderate to severe cases, your physician may prescribe an antibiotic to clear the infection. Some patients are also prescribed these antibiotics at the start of a flare, to prevent worsening of symptoms.

Whether this is the right choice for you is between you and your healthcare provider. Many physicians will prescribe something like ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin-clavulanic, but make sure, whatever you’re prescribed, that you tell your provider about other medicine you’re taking so you can avoid any interactions.

RELATED: Diverticulitis treatment and medications

Can you reverse diverticulitis? 

You can recover fully from diverticulitis and not suffer acute attacks in the future with the right combination of diet and lifestyle choices. It may take as little as a few days or as long as a few weeks to heal and go back to “normal.”

In the meantime, follow a clear liquid diet when needed to rest your bowel. Anecdotally, some people recommend lying on your left side during a flare, since this position may aid digestion.

 Having one diverticulitis attack only increases your chances of having a second attack by 20%, says Dr. Farhadi—but after a second attack, your risk increases to 50%. However, he adds that providers now typically wait to discuss performing any kind of surgery until after a patient has had a minimum of three attacks. However, a single, severe bout of diverticulitis (such as with an accompanying abscess), may require surgical intervention

When to see your doctor 

If you’re experiencing an acute attack, you can try resting your bowel with a clear liquid diet for one to two days, says Dr. Boling, but if you’re still having pain after that you should call your healthcare provider.

Don’t ignore your symptoms or brush them off as “just diverticulitis,” she notes. You may need antibiotics, IV hydration, or even hospitalization to feel better. In worst case scenarios, diverticulitis can become fatal if left untreated (thanks to the risk of a perforated bowel and sepsis).

Treatment of diverticulitis in Israel | Ichilov Clinic

Ichilov is one of the few clinics in Israel where patients can go with absolutely any pathology and where they are guaranteed to be provided with highly qualified medical care. Thanks to first-class technical equipment and the impeccable level of professionalism of the doctors working here, the hospital demonstrates the best results in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including diverticulitis. Starting with an accurate diagnosis and ending with the most complex operations for resection of the affected areas of the intestine – all procedures are carried out by experienced specialists who have an expert level of knowledge in their field and confirm this in practice.

Depending on the stage of progression of the disease and how the patient feels in general, doctors offer different ways to treat diverticulitis in Israel. In some cases, correction of the diet and medication is sufficient, in others, the removal of intestinal wall defects by surgery is required. All methods used in the Ichilov Clinic are highly effective and safe, so the results of therapy are always positive.

Contents

• How diverticulitis is treated in Israel
• Diagnosis of diverticulitis in Israel
• How much does diverticulitis treatment cost in Israel

How diverticulitis is treated in Israel

Diverticulitis is an infectious bowel disease in which pathological sac-like protrusions in its walls (diverticula) become inflamed and provoke severe abdominal pain, stool disorders and other painful symptoms. Treatment in this case should by no means be postponed, since the disease is dangerous not only by a significant deterioration in well-being, but also by serious complications in the form of intestinal obstruction and bleeding, intra-abdominal abscesses, and peritonitis. Fortunately, the doctors of the Ichilov clinic know how to successfully eliminate them and prevent exacerbations.

Methods of treatment of diverticulitis in Israel are determined based on the stage of progression of the disease, the prevalence of the pathological process, the patient’s age and lifestyle. The use of an integrated approach contributes to the successful relief of inflammation in the intestines and their symptomatic manifestations, and in some cases this effect can be achieved without even resorting to surgical intervention.

Drug therapy . In uncomplicated forms of pathology, it can be used as an independent method of treatment. In order to stop the inflammatory process, patients are prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, to eliminate pain – analgesics, to normalize the stool – laxatives, to improve the intestinal microflora – probiotics. Additionally, cleansing enemas and infusion therapy may be recommended.

Diet therapy . It is a mandatory component of complex treatment for diverticulitis of any severity. The specialists of the Ichilov clinic make up an individual diet for each patient, the observance of which will alleviate the symptoms of the disease and prevent their aggravation.

Clipping . Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery performed through the natural openings of the body (mouth or anus), so that no scars remain on the body. Diverticula are cleared of contents, and then sewn together with a medical stapler. In most cases, the patient is allowed to leave the clinic on the same day, postoperative rehabilitation is also very fast.

Photocoagulation . An innovative technique in which the treatment of diverticulitis in Israel is carried out using laser technology. An endoscope and a special probe that delivers laser radiation are inserted into the area of ​​localization of the pathological protrusion of the intestinal wall – with its help, the diverticulum is soldered and subsequently necrotic. Like clipping, photocoagulation is performed through the anus or mouth, so there are no scars after this operation.

Surgical treatment . It is carried out mainly with advanced forms of the disease, accompanied by damage to large sections of the intestine. Depending on the prevalence of the inflammatory process, the operation is performed by laparoscopic or open access. If it is impossible to connect the segments of the intestine after resection, a temporary colostomy is formed, and after a while, doctors perform reconstructive coloplasty and restore intestinal patency.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis in Israel

The Ichilov Clinic has state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosing gastrointestinal pathologies, thanks to which the passage of all examinations takes patients no more than three to four days. Israeli experts also conduct video consultations. This is a convenient and profitable alternative to a trip to Israel for those patients who have already undergone diagnostics in their home country and want to know the opinion of an expert-level doctor. After talking with the doctor on Skype, it will be possible to get from him comprehensive information about the diagnosis and possible treatment options. At the same time, for everyone who paid for the video consultation, the face-to-face appointment with a clinic specialist will subsequently be free.

Day 1. Consultation with the attending physician

The patient goes to see the leading gastroenterologist of the hospital. The doctor systematizes the medical history, conducts a physical examination and prescribes other diagnostic procedures.

Day 2. Examination

The diagnostic program may include the following examinations:

• Ultrasound.
• Radiography.
• Computed tomography.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.
• Colonoscopy.
• Irrigoscopy.
• Laboratory blood and urine tests.
• Fecal analysis.

Day 3. Appointment of therapy

At the medical consultation, which meets in the clinic on the final day of diagnosis, an accurate diagnosis is established and further therapeutic measures are planned.

How much does the treatment of diverticulitis cost in Israel

Before the diagnosis is made and an individual treatment plan is drawn up, it is rather difficult to determine specific prices. Much depends on the chosen methods of therapy, the need for hospitalization and other factors. We can only say with certainty that the cost of treating diverticulitis in Israel will be much lower than in the United States or Western Europe. Savings can be up to 40-50%, while the level of service in the clinics of the Promised Land is consistently high.

The benefits of treating diverticulitis in Israel

1. Highly qualified doctors with invaluable experience in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. The advanced medical equipment of the clinic, which allows diagnosing with 100% accuracy.
3. State-of-the-art therapy techniques to achieve the best results without any complications.
4. Affordable price of diverticulitis treatment: in Israel, all procedures are one third or almost half cheaper than in many other countries.
5. First-class service and providing the most comfortable conditions of stay for international patients, including the services of curators-translators.

1. 5
2. 4
3. 3
4. 2
5. 1

(1 vote, average: 5 out of 5)

90 000 Endoscopic treatment of bladder diverticulum

The article was checked by the doctor: Yury Igorevich Kan

Bladder diverticulum can be single or multiple. Men suffer from this disease several times more often than women. The protrusion of the wall occurs as a result of the weakening of the muscle tissue of the walls of the organ. Diverticulum can also be caused by other diseases of the urogenital area: prostate adenoma, sclerosis of the bladder neck and other diseases. With all these diseases, the free excretion of urine is impaired. The need to push while urinating increases the pressure inside the bladder, and weakened muscles provoke a protrusion of the wall of this organ and the formation of a saccular cavity. The need for treatment arises when the diverticulum increases in size, which prevents the complete emptying of the bladder, and leads to stagnation of fluid in its cavity.

Bladder diverticulum symptoms

The most common symptoms of this disease are:

• Discomfort when urinating;
• Urine outflow portioning;
• Presence of flakes, blood, turbidity in the urine.

Sometimes the disease goes away without pronounced symptoms and is discovered by chance, during the study of the pelvic organs. However, at the first detection, it is still worth contacting a urologist for advice. This way you will avoid serious consequences for your health.

Urination during protrusion occurs in two stages, first the bladder is emptied, and then the cavity of the diverticulum, complete urinary retention may occur. Stagnation of urine leads to the addition of secondary infections that are difficult to treat therapeutically. Stones and even tumors form in the protrusion cavity. If the mouth of the ureter opens into the region of the diverticulum, pyelonephritis may occur and subsequently renal failure may develop.

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Diagnostics of the disease

An ultrasound of the bladder is used to detect a diverticulum. This method allows you to accurately determine the presence of a protrusion, and its size. If it is necessary to treat the disease, cystography is performed – an X-ray examination of the bladder using a contrast fluid. After urination, the contrast remaining in the diverticulum helps to localize it accurately. Cystoscopy is used to accurately identify the opening of the isthmus connecting the diverticulum and the bladder. The urethrocystoscope is inserted into the urethra and visually, using the built-in camera, the bladder is examined.

Treatment of bladder diverticulum

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After the discovery of this disease, the urologist must decide on the need for further treatment. It is also important to identify and treat the disease that provokes the appearance of a bladder diverticulum. In cases where the size of the diverticulum is small and does not cause inflammation or stagnation, they are limited to observation, periodically conducting an ultrasound of the bladder.

Treatment of diverticulum is carried out only by surgical methods, this disease is not treated with drug therapy. There are two methods of surgical treatment: surgery with open access and endoscopic (intravesical) intervention. Depending on the course of the disease, the doctor prescribes one or another method of surgical treatment.

Open access operation

The open access method consists in removing the bladder and carrying out subsequent manipulations with the diverticulum. In this type of surgery, the surgeon makes a straight or curved incision in the patient’s pubic area. After that, gradually cutting off the tissues around the bladder, it completely frees it and takes it out through the hole of the incision made for subsequent manipulations. Next, the diverticulum sac is excised and the isthmus opening is sutured.

When the ureter is in the protrusion sac, the ureter is additionally attached to another area of ​​the bladder. At the end of the operation, the bladder is put back. The pubic incision is sutured with the obligatory installation of drainage tubes (for washing the wound in the postoperative period).

At the same time, a catheter is inserted into the urethra and sutured. The catheter is placed to allow an unobstructed outflow of urine, avoiding stress during urination, until the internal sutures are completely healed. Urine is collected in a urinal connected to the catheter. After the operation, for 10-15 days, the patient is periodically washed with a superficial suture and antiseptic solutions are injected into the drainage tube. Such manipulation does not allow suppuration of the seam, and washes away blood clots. On the eve of the operation and after, antibiotics are required for a week.

Treatment of a diverticulum with an open method of surgical intervention is quite traumatic and has a number of disadvantages.

These include:

• Large surgical area, blood loss and long patient recovery;
• The need for general anesthesia makes it difficult or impossible to perform such an operation in the elderly or in patients with contraindications;
• A two-week period of superficial suture manipulation and the use of a urinal increases inconvenience and may provoke the development of postoperative complications;

Transurethral endoscopic marsupialization

The recent development of medical science makes it possible to carry out such operations with a much smaller area of ​​surgical intervention, and in a short time. The method of transurethral endoscopic marsupialization finds increasing use.

To carry out this operation, it is necessary to find out the exact localization of the location of the opening of the isthmus and the bag of protrusion. The operation is performed using an endoscope – a tube, at the end of which there is a video camera and a set of tools for cutting and simultaneous vaporization (cauterization) of tissues. This method allows you to get rid of suturing at the incision site and prevents bleeding. Tissue healing occurs faster, without complications.

One of the advantages of endoscopic intervention is that there is no need for general anesthesia. Apply epidural or spinal anesthesia.

During the operation, the patient is placed on the operating table with knees bent and legs apart. The surgeon inserts the endoscope into the urethra and, using a video camera, determines the location of the isthmus of the protrusion sac. Further, using a special tool, it performs a transurethral incision, that is, a dissection to a shallow depth of the neck of the diverticulum.