Diagnosis of Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is often unsuspected and discovered by an x-ray or intestinal examination performed for an unrelated reason. The doctor may see the diverticula through a flexible tube (a colonoscope) that is inserted through the anus. Through this scope, the diverticula may be seen as dark passages leading out of the normal colon wall.
The doctor also may do a barium enema (an x-ray that reveals outpouchings in the walls of the colon). If rectal bleeding occurs, the doctor may take a special x-ray (an angiography). In this procedure, dye is injected into an artery that goes to the colon so that the site of the bleeding problem can be located.
Treatment of Diverticulosis
The doctor also may do a barium enema (an x-ray that reveals outpouchings in the walls of the colon). If rectal bleeding occurs, the doctor may take a special x-ray (an angiography). In this procedure, dye is injected into an artery that goes to the colon so that the site of the bleeding problem can be located.
Treatment of Diverticulosis
If the patient has diverticulosis with no symptoms, no treatment is needed. Some doctors advise eating a special high fiber diet, consisting of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, whole-grain breads, cereals and bran.
Additionally, adding a fiber supplement (such as Metamucil or Hydrocil) to the diet, and avoiding certain foods with small seeds, such as strawberries, raspberries, whole cranberries and nuts is helpful in treating diverticulosis.
Patients experiencing bloating or abdominal pain may benefit from anti-spasmodic drugs, such as Librax, Bentyl, Donnotal and Levsin.
If this condition turns into diverticulitis, bedrest, antibiotics or hospitalization may be needed. The vast majority of patients will recover from diverticulitis without surgery. Sometimes, patients need surgery to drain an abscess that has resulted from a ruptured diverticulum and to remove that portion of the colon. Surgery is reserved for patients with very severe or multiple attacks. In such cases, the involved segment of colon can be removed and the colon can then be rejoined.
Additionally, adding a fiber supplement (such as Metamucil or Hydrocil) to the diet, and avoiding certain foods with small seeds, such as strawberries, raspberries, whole cranberries and nuts is helpful in treating diverticulosis.
Patients experiencing bloating or abdominal pain may benefit from anti-spasmodic drugs, such as Librax, Bentyl, Donnotal and Levsin.
If this condition turns into diverticulitis, bedrest, antibiotics or hospitalization may be needed. The vast majority of patients will recover from diverticulitis without surgery. Sometimes, patients need surgery to drain an abscess that has resulted from a ruptured diverticulum and to remove that portion of the colon. Surgery is reserved for patients with very severe or multiple attacks. In such cases, the involved segment of colon can be removed and the colon can then be rejoined.
