Diverticular disease is the formation or development of small sacs or pockets in the walls of the colon. They are characterized by diverticulitis, rectal bleeding and diverticulosis. Explore this article to know about the best four ways to diagnose a Diverticular disease and start the proper treatment in time. The diagnostic methods are as follows:
Colonoscopy:
Thos diagnostic procedure is done by passing thin-lighted tube through the rectum, so that the doctor can have a detailed knowledge about your bowel wall. This is also helpful in removing the small pieces of the bowel wall. These pieces can be further studied in detail through biopsy.
Single and Double Contrast Enema:
This diagnosis is done by passing a thin tube filled with a white liquid known as barium. The aim is to get the barium inside the rectum. The barium liquid is injected with the aim of taking an x-ray of the outline of walls of the bowels, which is made easy by the barium. If the disease is present, the bowel walls appear thickened. If a person is suspected to have such a Diverticular disease, an enema is again passed inside to view the colon. This is done with double contrast enema and it is more accurate than the single contrast enema. However, there is no need to use an enema in case of diverticulitis (inflamed diverticula) as it increases the chances of Diverticular perforation.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan:
This technique does not require any tube to be passed through the rectum and therefore they are less invasive. The scan is aimed to produce a three dimensional image of the bowel on a computer screen. As these scans are highly accurate in diagnosing the Diverticular disease and identification of the development of abscesses, these scans are used on a large extent wherever possible.
Ultrasonography:
This test is exactly similar to the CT scan technique in terms of accuracy and invasiveness. It is used to detect the presence of acute diverticulitis. In this technique, a skin probe that emits sound waves is made use of. These waves of sound produce picture of organs and their tissues inside the body on the ultrasound machine by producing echoes. All that is required is a well-trained and reliable operator of the machine.
Summary:
If you are suffering from Diverticular diseases, you need not to worry as they can be treated easily with proper diet and antibiotics.