Diverticulitis occurs when one of those small pouches in your colon becomes inflamed or infected. This usually happens for one of two reasons:

• A Micro-tear

  : Increased pressure in the colon causes a tiny tear in the wall of the pouch, allowing bacteria to get in.
  

• Blockage

  : A small piece of hardened stool or a "fecalith" gets trapped in the opening of the pouch, causing bacteria to multiply and infection to set in.

Unlike diverticulosis, which is usually silent, diverticulitis makes itself known very clearly. Symptoms often come on suddenly:

• Sharp Pain

  : Most commonly in the lower left side of the abdomen (though it can sometimes be on the right).
  

• Fever and Chills

  : A sign that your body is fighting an infection.
  

• Nausea and Vomiting

  : Your digestive system effectively "shuts down" or slows significantly due to the inflammation.
  

• Changes in Bowel Habits

  : Sudden constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea.

There’s no single cause, but several factors are believed to contribute:

• Increased pressure inside the colon
• Blockage of a pouch by stool or debris
• A diet low in fiber
• Natural changes in the body with aging

Diverticulitis can range from mild to severe:

• Mild cases may only require rest, a temporary change in diet, and possibly antibiotics.
• More severe cases can lead to complications like abscesses (pockets of infection), tears in the colon, or widespread infection in the abdomen.

Because of this range, it’s important not to ignore symptoms especially if they’re persistent or worsening.

The treatment depends on how severe the infection is:

• Mild Cases

  : Can often be treated at home with oral antibiotics and a temporary clear liquid diet (broth, Jell-O, water) to let the colon rest and heal.
  

• Severe Cases

  : May require hospitalization for IV antibiotics and fluids.
  

• Surgical Intervention

  : If the pouches rupture or cause a blockage (obstruction), surgery might be necessary to remove the diseased part of the colon.

If left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to more serious issues:

• Abscess

  : A pocket of pus that forms outside the colon wall.
  

• Perforation

  : A hole in the colon, which can lead to a serious infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
  

• Stricture

  : Scarring from repeated infections that narrows the colon, making it hard for stool to pass.

The Hospital Stay (2–5 Days)

Your primary goals in the hospital are managing pain and waking up your digestive system.

• Pain Management

  : You’ll likely have an IV for pain meds initially, transitioning to oral pills as soon as you can tolerate liquids.
  

• Waking the Bowels

  : This is the big milestone. Surgeons wait for "signs of life" passing gas or a bowel movement before sending you home.
  

• Early Mobility

  : Nurses will have you sitting up and walking short distances within 24 hours. This prevents blood clots and helps your gut start moving.
  

• Diet

  : You’ll start with ice chips, move to clear liquids, and eventually "full liquids" (like pudding or strained soups).
  

At-Home Healing (Weeks 1–2)

The first two weeks at home are about resting and monitoring your incisions.

• The "Low-Residue" Diet

  : For about 2–4 weeks, you’ll follow a low-fiber diet. This might feel counterintuitive since fiber prevents diverticulitis, but right now, your colon needs to work as little as possible. Think white bread, eggs, and well-cooked poultry avoid seeds, nuts, and raw veggies.
  

• Energy Levels

  : Expect to feel exhausted. Your body is diverting a massive amount of energy toward internal healing.
  

• Wound Care

  : Keep incisions clean and dry. You’ll be watching for redness, swelling, or drainage, which could signal a minor infection.

The Reintroduction Phase (Weeks 3–6)

As the internal inflammation subsides, you’ll begin returning to a "new normal."

• Physical Restrictions

  : Most surgeons enforce a 10-pound lifting limit for 6 weeks to prevent hernias at the incision sites.
  

• Bowel Habits

  : Your bathroom routine might be unpredictable. You may have more frequent movements or urgency as the remaining colon learns to do the work of the section that was removed.
  

• Fiber Return

  : Under your doctor's guidance, you will slowly reintroduce fiber to keep things moving smoothly and prevent future issues.

Long-Term Outlook

By the 6-to-8-week mark, most patients are cleared for full activity, including exercise and a standard diet.

Dr. Pozzessere is noted for a "patient-centered" philosophy and expertise in Robotic Surgery. For a patient with diverticulitis, this often means:

• Minimally Invasive Approach

  : Using robotic-assisted techniques to perform colon resections if surgery is required. This typically results in less pain, smaller incisions, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
  

• Emergency and Elective Care

  : His patient reviews highlight that he often manages emergency cases (like ruptured diverticula) coming through the ER, as well as planned procedures to prevent future flare-ups.
  

• Comprehensive Guidance

  : He emphasizes explaining the condition and the recovery process clearly to both the patient and their family.

Philosophy of Care

The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach. Dr. Pozzessere views surgery as a "calling" rather than just a career, focusing on:

• Building strong patient-doctor relationships.
  
• Ensuring accessibility and attentiveness, even in emergency surgical situations.
  
• Providing thorough post-operative care to ensure long-term recovery goals are met.

Locations

Dr. Pozzessere operates out of several major medical centers in New Jersey, including:

• The Valley Hospital
  

• Pascack Medical Center
  

• Chilton Medical Center