hernia surgery, laparoscopy, vascular surgery and breast surgeon in Bonita Springs and Naples Florida

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery-General Surgery

Hernia Surgery, Breat specialist, Dr. Petrites of Bonita Springs and Naples Florida
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Tel:  239.495.3990
Fax: 239.949.2888
Diverticulosis and Laparoscopic Treatment

Diverticulosis of the colon is bubble like protrusions within the wall of the intestine. This protrusion is thought to be caused by constant straining due to constipation, low fiber diet, and refined foods. Over time the weakened wall “out-pouching” can become infected with stool or undigested food and can harbor bacteria causing an “attack”. People who experience an attack can have fever, abdominal pain, several-day-constipation, and/or bleeding. If you have had at least one documented attack (hospitalization) and medical management with diet modification have been unsuccessful, you may need surgery to remove (resect) the defective portion of the colon. Once a person has had an attack they are susceptible to more frequent attacks and possible perforation. Perforation is when the diverticula are under so much stress or the intestinal wall is so weakened that it actually ruptures into the abdominal cavity causing peritonitis. Surgical treatment in that instance is emergent. Before a situation becomes emergent, elective surgery can be performed. A gastroenterologist will perform a colon exam (Flexible colonoscopy/ Barium Enema) and/or CT scan to identify where the diverticula are in the colon and to ensure no other pathology exisits, ie cancer. With these results Laparoscopic Resection can be considered. In some cases, partial colectomy can be done as a laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, several small cuts are made in the abdominal wall through which instruments and a viewing tube (laparoscope) are inserted. A camera attached to the viewing tube sends images of the inside of the abdomen to a television screen which the doctor watches while using small instruments to perform the surgery. People who have laparoscopic surgery have shorter recovery times. Hospitalization ranges 2-3 days verses 5-7 days. Due to less pain people are able to return to work 2-3 weeks after surgery compared to 6-8 weeks. If you have been diagnosed with diverticulosis and want more information about laparoscopic surgery please call 239-495-3990. This medical update has been brought to you by Dr. Mark E. Petrites, M.D. a board certified general surgeon practicing advanced laparoscopic surgery.

This medical update is provided to you by Dr. Mark E. Petrites. His office is located in the Bonita Community Health Center.   Back to Nurse's Corner

Bonita Community Health Center   3501 Health Center Blvd, Suite 2110   Bonita Springs, FL  34135