While the cause of diverticulosis isn't fully known, it is believed that a low-fiber diet or sedentary lifestyle can contribute to diverticula forming in the large intestine. A low-fiber diet leads to constipation, which causes straining when making a bowel movement. Excessive bowel straining can lead to pressure in the large intestines and cause the weakened walls of the colon to form diverticula. The pouches can also become inflamed or infected when small pieces of waste get trapped inside, leading to diverticulitis infection.

Diverticulitis affects everyone differently. Because the symptoms can look similar to other digestive disorders, it's important to rule out other conditions. Our team uses a combination of exams, x-rays, blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging techniques to accurately diagnose your symptoms.

Having one or two diverticulitis occurrences doesn't mean that you need surgery. We examine each case on an individual basis because everyone experiences their symptoms in different ways. After a thorough evaluation is completed, we provide you with all the information needed to decide which treatment route to take.

We find that most diverticulitis cases can be treated without surgery. If we determine surgery is your best option, we use only the best techniques and equipment to make your procedure as safe and effective as possible.

In some cases of diverticulitis, an abscess forms in the affected pocket. An abscess can cause a host of painful symptoms such as fever, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. Our New York offices can drain an abscess without surgery by accessing the area with a needle or placing a temporary plastic drain into the abdomen.