Colorectal Diseases

Diverticulitis

Small pouches that bulge outward from the colon are called "diverticula" and are common in most older people. When they become inflamed or infected, such diverticulosis becomes diverticulitis. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand how the pain and bowel problems caused by diverticulitis can interfere with your quality of life. We offer nonsurgical and surgical care for diverticulitis, ranging from dietary guidance to colorectal surgery to relieve your symptoms. Our goal is not only to help you get better, but to feel better, too.

Nutritional counseling

Many people are able to improve the symptoms of diverticular disease by increasing the quantity of fiber in their diets, such as eating more whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits. NewYork-Presbyterian's digestive care teams include registered dietitians who can counsel you about how to eat a diet that is healthier and can help you feel better if you have diverticulitis.

Surgery for diverticulitis

If we are unable to treat your diverticulitis with dietary changes, we may recommend oral or intravenous antibiotics, a liquid diet, bed rest, and medications to stop muscle spasms in your colon. If your diverticulitis becomes severe and repeated attacks affect your function and quality of life, we may perform surgery. Our surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopy to treat diverticulitis, operating through small incisions that result in less pain after surgery and a faster recovery.

National leaders in diverticulitis care

Guidelines for the best treatment of diverticulitis continue to evolve. NewYork-Presbyterian's surgeons have extensive experience in this area and a strong interest in refining its treatment. We are involved at the national level in the development of consensus guidelines for the management of diverticulitis, placing us in a unique position to offer individualized care based on the latest medical advances.