In acute diverticulitis the patients usually presented with the abdominal pain, fever and change in the bowel habits. Your physician can treat simple non-complicated diverticulitis with dietary modifications only, but sometime may require addition of antibiotics. Sometime patients may also require CT scan or blood work. Basically, most of the diverticulitis patients do not require hospitalizations. Another key point is that your physician will advise you to have a colonoscopy for diagnosis and also following the acute attack of diverticulitis.

 You may need an intervention with or without surgery under following circumstances:

1. If you have a diverticular abscess which is a condition of infection inside the abdominal cavity. You may need antibiotics and a drainage procedure for the abscess.
2. If there is a blockage or stricture or narrowing of the colon leading to obstruction then it may need a surgical intervention.
3. If there is a free perforation or hole in the colon leading to sepsis and significant sickness.
4. If there is a fistula formation it can affect surrounding organs. Fistula between colon and Urinary Bladder is known as Colovesical Fistula. Fistula with the vagina it is known as Colovaginal Fistula.   A fistula can form between colon and surrounding bowel known as Enteroenteric fistula.
5. If there are recurrent attacks of diverticulitis and failure of medical management leading to recurrent persistent symptoms.

What is the diet to prevent Diverticulitis?

There is no definitive answer to what foods you should avoid with diverticulitis, as different people may have different reactions to certain foods. However, some general guidelines for diverticulitis diet are:

• During a flare-up, you may benefit from following a low-fiber diet until your symptoms improve. This means avoiding foods that are high in fibre, such as whole grains,fruits and vegetables with the skin and seeds, nuts,beans and popcorn.
• After your symptoms improve, you may gradually increase your fiber intake to promote gut health and prevent future flares. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day from a variety of sources, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
• Some people may find that avoiding foods that are high in FODMAPs helps them manage their diverticulitis. FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates that can cause gas and bloating in some people. They include foods such as apples, pears, plums, milk, yogurt, ice cream, sauerkraut, kimchi, beans, soy, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions and garlic.
• Some research suggests that eating a diet high in red and processed meats could increase your risk of developing diverticulitis. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grain may decrease the risk.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated and help your fiber intake work better. 

What is a colon and Rectal Surgeon? Is Dr Singh a Board-certified Colorectal surgeon? and where does he perform his procedures.

Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. They have completed advanced surgical training in the treatment of these diseases, as well as full general surgical training. They are well versed in the treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus and are able to perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat conditions as and if needed. Dr Singh is a double board certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery and General surgery. His practice is located in Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale, AZ.