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Experienced Diverticulum Doctor

Diverticula are tiny peritones that may form in the organs such as the colon, bladder or small intestine, causing pain or infection. Dr. Bharat Pothuri, GastroDoxs, Houston, provides for a complete diagnosis and treatment, beginning with changes in diet, and continuing with less invasive surgical intervention to a full-scale recovery.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Age — the majority of individuals develop diverticuli above age 40.
Low fiber diet resulting in high colon pressure.
Difficulty in bowel movements.
Hereditary disorders, including diverticulum of Meckel.
Recurrent catheter infections or bladder outlet obstruction.

Signs and Symptoms

In early uncomplicated cases, symptoms are often nonexistent.
Cramps or abdominal pain in the lower area.
Change in bowel habits — constipation or diarrhea, bloating.
Discomfort or need to urinate (bladder or urethral diverticula).
Blood in stool or urine.
Inflamed pouches causing fever, chills, or other indications of infection.

Expert Treatment for Diverticulum by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Symptom Review

He inquires as to your belly/pelvis or belly/bladder issues, bowel and bladder modifications, history of infections and family history of diverticulitis.

Physical Examination

An abdominal and pelvic exam helps identify areas of tenderness, masses or signs of urinary tract involvement.

Endoscopic Evaluation

Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to directly visualize colonic diverticula and assess for inflammation or bleeding.
Cystoscopy when bladder diverticulum is suspected, to inspect the bladder lining and ureteral orifices.

Imaging Studies

Abdominal and pelvic CT scan or MRI to map the diverticular pouches, identify complications (abscess, perforation) and both assessing the surrounding organs.
Women to be subjected to pelvic ultrasound or endovaginal ultrasound to identify urethral or vaginal diverticula.

Contrast and Specialized Tests (if needed)

Anatomy of a pouch can be further elaborated with a barium enema or voiding cystourethrogram, or endoscopic ultrasound can be employed in a detailed imaging of the pouch.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for diverticulum.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Consume more fruits, beans, and whole grains to increase fiber intake.
Drink plenty of water to ensure soft and regular bowel movements.
Have soft bowel movements — go when you feel the urge and avoid straining.

2. Medications

Fiber supplements (either in powder form or as capsules) to aid healthy digestion.
Acetaminophen or other pain relievers to help manage discomfort.
Antibiotic treatment for diverticular infections.

3. Minimized Cases or Hi-Tech Operations

Endoscopic repair of recurrent or complex diverticulosis pouches.
Laparoscopic surgery to remove diseased parts of the colon.
Treatment of symptomatic pouches in women through urethral diverticulum excision or repair.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070

1.5K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Then what is the distinction between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis means that you have small pouches (diverticula) in the walls of your organs without infection. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, refers to when these pouches become inflamed or infected, often causing pain, fever, or other symptoms.

Is diet corrective to a duodenal diverticulum?

No. Although a high-fiber diet can help prevent and manage colon diverticula, it does not correct duodenal diverticula. Duodenal pouches may require monitoring or medical treatment depending on their condition.

Is it common after age 50?

Yes. Approximately half of all individuals over the age of 50 develop diverticula. Most remain symptom-free, though some may experience complications or discomfort related to diverticulum.

I need to know when to become a doctor about bladder diverticulum.

Visit a doctor if you experience pain during urination, frequent urinary infections, difficulty emptying the bladder, or notice blood in the urine. Early consultation can help prevent complications.

Are all the cases of the Meckel diverticulum in need of surgery?

No. Asymptomatic cases of Meckel’s diverticulum usually do not require surgery. However, surgical treatment is recommended in cases of bleeding, obstruction, inflammation, or other complications.

How postoperative is diverticulum surgery recovery?

After laparoscopic repair, most patients go home within two days and return to normal activities in one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and their overall health.

Is the bladder diverticulum cancer causing?

It is rare. Regular follow-up using imaging and cystoscopy helps detect any abnormal changes early and reduces the long-term risk of cancer.

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