When you begin to feel pain in your lower left abdomen, you might brush it off initially as cramping or poor digestion. But when that pain continues with nausea, fever, and vomiting, you should seek help from a qualified professional, as you could have diverticulitis.
Near Dallas at Cernero Surgery and Aesthetics, our board-certified general surgeon assists patients with this colon condition. When antibiotics alone can’t treat diverticulitis. Dr. Aaron Cernero helps individuals reclaim their quality of life through innovative surgical techniques.
Explore this post to learn why you should choose Dr. Cernero for your diverticulitis treatment.
What Is Diverticulitis?
Over time, the passage of food through the intestines can push against weak spots and form small pockets on the inside of your colon, called diverticula. The presence of these pockets is known as diverticulosis. Having diverticulosis does not inherently cause trouble, but diverticula can create spots for bacteria to grow and flourish.
How Diverticulosis Becomes Diverticulitis
When one or many of the diverticula become inflamed or infected, the condition moves from diverticulosis to diverticulitis. Diverticulitis, a complication of diverticulosis, affects around 4% of individuals who have diverticula in their colon.
Often, this progression comes from trapped bacteria in the diverticula or a tear in the lining of the colon. If bacteria grow in these pockets or the lining tears and becomes exposed, it can create swelling and bacterial infections that lead to diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis can be acute or chronic, meaning it could occur once or develop into a recurring condition.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
If any diverticula become infected, you will likely experience uncomfortable symptoms:
- Abdominal pain that may be severe or sudden
- A palpable abdomen, meaning you can feel the swelling with your hand
- Fever, often with nausea or vomiting
- Constipation, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding
Typically, the pain and swelling occur in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen. Diverticulitis often affects your sigmoid colon, the segment of your large intestine that begins on your lower left side.
When Diverticulitis Becomes Emergent
Often, diverticulitis is not an emergency. Around 80% of the time, the condition has no complications.
However, with an inflamed and infected colon, issues may arise that should be treated as an emergency.
- Abscess: A pocket of pus can form on your colon from the infection. An abscess should be drained to prevent peritonitis, an infection in the membrane that lines your abdomen, since peritonitis can be life-threatening.
- Fistula: If the wall of your colon fuses with another body canal, this indicates a fistula. Your colon could fuse with your small intestine, bladder, or other organs and create a tunnel that connects them.
- Gastrointestinal perforation: Infected and swollen diverticula can grow to the point of tearing, which allows bacteria to enter the abdomen. This can also lead to peritonitis, which can worsen into sepsis.
When you have a complication with diverticulitis near Dallas, trust Dr. Cernero to provide expert care with innovative techniques. Without medical intervention, diverticulitis can return and worsen, affecting your quality of life.
Why Choose Dr. Cernero
As a board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Cernero has met a rigorous set of criteria set by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). To receive this qualification, he has committed to continuous learning, patient safety, and professionalism.
With an extensive background in general and bariatric surgery, Dr. Cernero has the knowledge and experience to perform complex abdominal procedures, including treatment for diverticulitis. Near Dallas, he approaches each procedure with the intention of listening and helping each patient feel valued.
Not only does he offer surgical excellence as a qualified surgeon, Dr. Cernero also supports your overall well-being and peace of mind.
Our patient, Kristina, shares her experience as a patient at Cernero Surgery & Aesthetics:
“I can’t speak highly enough of Dr. Cernero and his wonderful staff. From the moment you walk into the clinic, you are greeted with warmth and professionalism. … Dr. Cernero is not only exceptionally skilled but also genuinely cares about his patients’ well-being. … I highly recommend Dr. Cernero to anyone in need of medical care. You will be in excellent hands with Dr. Cernero and his amazing team!”
Dr. Cernero’s Education and Training
Before he became a board-certified general surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery, Dr. Cernero trained at various universities and centers to hone his skills and build credentials.
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology: Austin College
- Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine: University of North Texas Health Science Center
- General and Bariatric Surgical Residencies: Plaza Medical Center, M.D. Anderson
- Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann
In 2006, Dr. Cernero founded Cernero Surgery & Aesthetics to serve the North Texas area. He delivers advanced general and bariatric care to his community with modern, top-notch technologies and techniques.
Treating Diverticulitis at Cernero Surgery & Aesthetics
Diverticulitis affects each patient differently. You might have an intense emergent case or mild but chronic diverticulitis that you want to manage. Either way, Dr. Cernero helps control your situation with a comprehensive plan of care.
Let’s look at how Dr. Cernero treats diverticulitis near Dallas.
Initial Consultation
Whether you come to us from an emergency room or visit seeking preventative care for diverticulitis, we assess your situation through a personalized consultation.
Depending on your unique case, we might prescribe antibiotics before we perform surgery to control the inflammation and infection in your colon. Once the antibiotics take effect, we explore routes for additional treatment.
Your consultation also gives you an opportunity to ask any questions about the condition or procedure choices. Dr. Cernero helps each patient feel educated and prepared for their upcoming treatment for diverticulitis.
Near Dallas, our patient Julie shares about Dr. Cernero and his care:
“Always a pleasant visit when seeing Dr. Cernero and his staff. They are always so caring and helpful and make sure you understand everything to the fullest. They treat you like family. Always recommend Dr. Cernero and his staff to anyone needing their care.”
Preparing for Treatment
If your case requires surgery, Dr. Cernero helps you prepare for the procedure. This may include imaging, such as CT scans, to evaluate and map the inflamed diverticula causing the diverticulitis.
He also educates you on any necessary dietary restrictions and bowel preparation to have a successful surgery. This could include only drinking clear liquids, not eating, and clearing out the bowel by following the provided instructions.
Diverticulitis Treatment
When treating diverticulitis near Dallas, Dr. Cernero takes a unique approach based on your situation. He uses innovative surgical technology and his skills to enhance your long-term digestive health.
Dr. Cernero approaches diverticulitis surgery with techniques to preserve as much of the colon as possible, considering your anatomy and goals. When making incisions, removing damaged parts of the colon, and closing with sutures, he works with intention and expertise to enhance healing and recovery.
Recovery and Outlook
After your surgery, Dr. Cernero educates you about best practices for healing. Typically, he finds that his patients experience a healing period of 6 weeks, but most people can return to work and activities around the second week.
During your recovery, Dr. Cernero gives you instructions about treating your surgical wound, optimizing your diet, and understanding the types of activity you can do during this period. He answers all questions and is available to support you as you heal and recover!
Read what Sandra says after her procedure by Dr. Cernero:
“This was a great experience with Cernero Surgery. Office staff and Dr. are amazing!! They really care and walk you through every step of the process. They have amazing care after your surgery, too. This is a journey, and it started off really good.”
Can I Treat Diverticulitis at Home?
While some cases of diverticulitis can be managed at home, we recommend visiting Dr. Cernero so he can speak with you about your situation and evaluate your risk factors.
Do not try to treat your diverticulitis without seeing a professional first.
If your case does not require surgery, he has you follow specific instructions, which might include:
- Adopting a liquid diet. This allows your bowel to heal and recover without the strain of solid foods passing through.
- Taking prescribed antibiotics as directed. Depending on the type of infection you have, Dr. Cernero will give you the appropriate medication to treat the condition.
- Using acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you experience pain. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Motrin, and aspirin can all increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
With the help of Dr. Cernero, you can find relief from diverticulitis. Near Dallas, he helps patients improve their digestive health, symptoms, and comfort in their day-to-day lives.
Request an Appointment to Meet Dr. Cernero
If you have chronic or acute diverticulitis, speaking to Dr. Cernero about your concerns and symptoms helps you get the care you need. When treating the diverticulitis, Dr. Cernero personalizes the process and treatment plan to your situation.
To get an expert opinion about your condition, request an appointment with Dr. Cernero, or call our office to speak with our team.
Curious about other general surgery procedures? Explore our blog to gain insight into endocrinology, colon cancer, and more.
