Our approach
Not every patient with diverticular disease needs surgery.
We assess the nature of the disease, the presence of complications, the frequency of flare-ups, the results of endoscopic and imaging studies, and the patient's overall condition. If surgery is necessary, we give preference to laparoscopic techniques, which are less traumatic and allow faster recovery.
What is diverticular disease of the colon?
Diverticula are small pouches in the wall of the colon, most often forming in the sigmoid colon.
The presence of diverticula is called *diverticulosis. When they cause symptoms or complications, it is called diverticular disease*. One of the most common complications is diverticulitis — inflammation of the diverticula.
Why does diverticular disease develop?
The risk of the disease increases with age.
The main risk factors are:
- age over 50
- a diet low in fiber
- a sedentary lifestyle
- obesity
- smoking
- hereditary predisposition
- chronic constipation
Symptoms
In many patients, diverticulosis causes no symptoms.
When diverticular disease develops, the following may occur:
- pain in the lower left abdomen
- bloating
- constipation or diarrhea
- a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
- fever during inflammation
- blood in the stool
- weakness
When to see a doctor
A consultation is recommended if:
- you have been diagnosed with diverticular disease
- episodes of diverticulitis keep recurring
- you have severe abdominal pain
- intestinal bleeding has occurred
- an abscess, perforation, or fistula is suspected
- bowel obstruction has developed
- the indications for surgical treatment need to be determined
How is the diagnosis made?
The following are used to establish the diagnosis:
- consultation with a colorectal surgeon
- laboratory tests
- abdominal computed tomography
- colonoscopy (after acute inflammation has subsided)
- ultrasound when indicated
- magnetic resonance imaging in complex clinical cases
How is diverticular disease treated?
The treatment strategy depends on the stage of the disease and the presence of complications.
Options may include:
- changes in diet and lifestyle
- medication
- treatment of acute diverticulitis
- image-guided drainage of abscesses (when indicated)
- laparoscopic surgical treatment for complicated or recurrent disease
Surgical treatment
Surgery is recommended when complications develop or episodes of the disease recur.
At MSI we perform:
- laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection
- resection of the affected segment of the colon with restoration of bowel continuity
- surgery for fistulas
- surgery for bowel obstruction
- reconstructive procedures after emergency operations
The treatment strategy is determined individually in line with modern international guidelines.
Recovery after treatment
After planned laparoscopic operations, ERAS protocols are used, allowing faster resumption of eating and physical activity and a shorter hospital stay.
After discharge, the patient remains under follow-up and receives recommendations on diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of repeat complications.
Why choose MSI
- Specialization in colorectal surgery
- Modern laparoscopic techniques
- Treatment in line with ASCRS, ESGE, and other international society guidelines
- An individual approach to choosing the treatment strategy
- Enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
- Comprehensive patient support from diagnosis to full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In most people, diverticula cause no symptoms and do not require surgery. Surgery is performed only when complications or clear indications are present.
No. Diverticular disease is not a precancerous condition. However, after an episode of diverticulitis, a colonoscopy is often recommended to rule out other colon diseases, including colorectal cancer.
Yes, in most cases treatment is conservative. Surgery is needed only when complications develop or the disease keeps recurring.
After a planned laparoscopic colon resection, the outlook is usually favorable. Surgery removes the affected segment of the bowel, significantly reduces the risk of repeat episodes of diverticulitis, and improves the patient's quality of life.