Diverticulitis Treatment & Surgery in Port Charlotte, FL
Diverticulosis means small pouches have formed in the wall of the colon, which is common with age. Diverticulitis is when one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected. Many episodes are treated without surgery, but repeated or complicated diverticulitis may need a colon resection. We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
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Symptoms of diverticulitis
- Abdominal pain, most often in the lower left side
- Fever, nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Tenderness in the abdomen
When to see a surgeon
See a surgeon if you have had more than one episode, if an episode caused a complication such as an abscess, narrowing or fistula, or if symptoms do not settle. Go to the emergency room for severe abdominal pain, high fever, persistent vomiting or a rigid, very tender abdomen.
What to expect
Your surgeon reviews your CT scans and history, and usually a colonoscopy once you have recovered, to check the rest of the colon.
When surgery is recommended, the affected section of colon is removed and the healthy ends are reconnected, often with minimally invasive techniques.
Colon surgery usually requires a hospital stay. Emergency operations sometimes need a temporary ostomy.
Recovery
Walking starts soon after surgery and your diet is advanced as your bowels recover. Once healed, a high-fiber diet is generally recommended. Your surgeon will tell you when you can lift and exercise.
Who performs this at Charlotte Harbor Surgical
Matthew Tufts M.D., F.A.C.S., Vincent Brown M.D., and Charles Campbell D.O. perform this procedure. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at our Port Charlotte office.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis means small pouches have formed in the colon wall, which is common with age and often causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis is when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected.
Does everyone with diverticulitis need surgery?
No. Many episodes are treated without surgery. Surgery is considered for repeated episodes that affect your life, complications such as an abscess, blockage or fistula, or emergencies.
What should I eat?
During a flare you may be told to follow a liquid or low-fiber diet for a short time. Once recovered, a high-fiber diet is generally recommended. Current guidance does not require most people to avoid nuts or seeds.
Will I need a colonoscopy after diverticulitis?
Often, yes. A colonoscopy is commonly recommended after you recover, especially if you have not had a recent one, to check the rest of the colon.
Will I need a colostomy?
Most planned operations for diverticulitis reconnect the bowel. Emergency surgery sometimes requires a temporary ostomy that can often be reversed later.
Related services
Schedule a consultation
Call our Port Charlotte office at 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or request an appointment online.
Port Charlotte Location: 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Call (941) 391-5102 · Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 pm. If you need urgent care and you have decided to go to an emergency room please use AdventHealth Port Charlotte.