Medical Director
Senior Consultant, General & Colorectal Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Diverticular disease is a condition that involves the formation of small bulges or sacs (known as diverticula) on the wall of the large intestine (colon), most commonly on the left side of the colon.
Diverticular disease is also a general term encompassing Diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula) and Diverticulitis (the inflammation and infection of diverticula).
Diverticulosis VS Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is a common occurrence (especially among older people) and typically does not present with symptoms, in which case treatment is not necessary. Among those with diverticulosis, 80-85% remain asymptomatic; whereas 15-20% will develop diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when one of more diverticula becomes inflamed and infected. In such cases, one may experience abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, fever, mucus or blood in stools. Diverticulitis requires prompt medical attention to treat.
What Causes These?
The main theory for the formation of diverticula is due to high pressure within colon, causing weakened areas of the colon wall to bulge out and form the sacs. Another possible contributing factor is having a diet low in fibre and high in red meats. On the other hand, it is currently still unclear how diverticula become inflamed and infected (diverticulitis).
Abdominal pain accompanied by fever and changes in bowel habits may be a sign of diverticulitis.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact our clinic for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised care plan.
Diagnosing Diverticular Disease
After assessing your medical history and listening to your symptoms, it is important for your colorectal doctor to rule out other conditions (with some similar signs and symptoms first): irritable bowel syndrome, coaeliac disease, and colorectal cancer. Tests for these conditions may involve blood tests, colonoscopy and/or a CT scan.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Diverticulosis alone without any symptoms typically does not require any treatment to be done. However, as diverticulosis could lead to diverticulitis, your doctor may advise you to make dietary changes (i.e. consume a high-fibre diet) as a preventive measure.
When it comes to diverticulitis, however, mild cases can be treated with oral antibiotics; while serious cases may require hospitalisation, intravenous antibiotics, intravenous fluids, bowel rest or possibly even surgery.
When is Surgery for Diverticulitis Needed?
Surgical treatment is performed only in a very small group of cases; and usually involves removing the diseased section of the colon and reattaching the remaining ends back together.
- Severe diverticulitis that did not respond to medications
- Recurrent diverticulitis despite a high-fibre diet
- Abscesses (a complication of diverticulitis) that failed to drain using a catheter
- Development of complete blockages, fistula formation and peritonitis (a tear in the colon resulting in life-threatening infection)
- Persistent rectal bleeding (aka “diverticular bleeding”)
- Strong suspicion of cancer (after necessary imaging tests have been done)
Our Colorectal Specialist
Dr Chew Min Hoe
Medical Director
Senior Consultant, General & Colorectal Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Chew Min Hoe is an experienced colorectal surgeon dedicated to the effective management of diverticular disease, offering both medical and surgical solutions to prevent complications. His leadership as the former President of the Society of Colorectal Surgeons, Singapore, and founding Head of the Department of Surgery at Sengkang General Hospital highlights his deep expertise in the field.
Recognised for his contributions to public healthcare, he was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) at the National Day Awards in 2020. He also shares his knowledge as an Adjunct Associate Professor at NUS and NTU, shaping the next generation of surgeons.
Our Motto
Caring Hearts, Educated Minds, Skilled Hands
Orchard
3 Mount Elizabeth #16-09, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,Singapore 228510
Tel:+65 6518 4688
Fax:+65 6235 0897
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road Connexion,#08-07 Farrer Park Medical Centre,Singapore 217562
Tel:+65 6518 4868
Fax:+65 6443 6616
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
