crabtree

Diverticular Disease Crabtree Private Surgery

What is Diverticular disease (diverticulitis)?

Diverticular disease is a digestive condition where small bulges or sacks (diverticula) develop and push outwards through weak spots in the lining of the colon. When there are no symptoms, this is called Diverticulosis.

If the symptoms are mild, this is called Diverticular disease; symptoms of diverticular disease include tummy pain (particularly on the lower left side) that tends to get worse after eating, constipation, diarrhoea and occasionally blood in the stools.

If the symptoms are more severe (the diverticula become inflamed or infected), this is called Diverticulitis. Symptoms of Diverticulitis include constant or severe tummy pain, constipation, diarrhoea, a high temperature and mucous blood or bleeding from the bottom.1

Why do I need a procedure for diverticular disease (diverticulitis)?

Your GP may refer you for a procedure after he has done some tests and discussed your symptoms, as other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Coeliac and Bowel cancer may present with similar symptoms.1

You may be referred for a Colonoscopy (a thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted into your bottom) and/or a CT scan (which creates a detailed image inside the body). A common complication of Diverticulitis is developing an abscess.

In some cases if disease is severe, you may require surgery to treat serious complications.

What to expect during Diverticular (diverticulitis) surgery?

Serious complications of Diverticulitis where Surgery may be required include: if the bowel is blocked, if a fistula has formed (a small tunnel develops connecting two organs or tissues that don’t normally connect with each other) or if there is peritonitis (an infection in the lining of the tummy).1

Surgery involves removing the infected section of the colon (known as a colectomy). After a colectomy, you may need a temporary or permanent colostomy; this is when one end of the bowel is diverted through an opening in the tummy.1

You should discuss the benefits and risks with the Doctor before you make a decision regarding treatment.

For further information, please refer to the NHS website below.

For Further Reading:

1<a href=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis/ (accessed 30th January 2022)

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Meet Mr. Michael Crabtree

General, Colorectal and Laproscopic Surgeon

I qualified from King’s College School of Medicine (London) in 1995 and went on to train in surgery in the London areas. I finished my Surgical training at St Mark’s hospital in Harrow, the National Centre for Colorectal disease. I also completed a PhD in the genetics of Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis (FAP) jointly at St Mark’s and with Cancer Research UK, at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. I therefore have a strong background in both science and surgery.

At Ipswich hospital I have a number of senior roles and leadership is a significant part of my practice. These roles have included: Clinical Lead, Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) lead, Surgical Tutor and Health Education East of England (HEEoE) Performance Support Well-being Case Manager. My present Leadership roles include: Foundation Years Training Programme Director (TPD), General Medical Council (GMC) performance assessor Team Leader, and Appraiser and Educational Supervisor. The GMC recognises me as a dedicated trainer, for future doctors. I am trusted to teach the next generation of surgeons and therefore practice using the latest techniques following national guidelines in a professional manner.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

counsellor
  • MBBS King’s College London 1995
  • PhD - London 2001
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2006
  • Specialist Register (CCT 2007)