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Duodenal Diverticulum Center - Duluth, MN

Duluth Gastroenterologist Doctors for Duodenal Diverticulum

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Duluth *

Duluth Clinic
Johannes Aas
400 E 3rd St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 722-8364

Duluth Clinic
Johan S Bakken
400 E 3rd St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 722-8364

Duluth Clinic
Robert V Erickson
400 E 3rd St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 722-8364

Duluth Clinic
Teresa Smith
400 E 3rd St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 722-8364

Duluth Clinic
Steven J Squillace
400 E 3rd St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 722-8364

Duluth Clinic
Michael D VanNorstrand
400 E 3rd St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 722-8364

St Luke's Hospital and Regional Trauma Center
Agata Bednarz
915 E 1st St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 249-5555

Northland Gastroenterlogy PA
Daniel McKee
1420 London Rd
STE 202
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 724-3411

Duluth, Minnesota

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Duodenal Diverticulum

What is a duodenal diverticulum?

A duodenal diverticulum (the plural of which is diverticula) is a pouch attached to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine just past the stomach.

There are two types of duodenal diverticula. The common type which is present in at least 6% of individuals, is one that sticks out from the duodenum, similar to the more common colonic diverticula. This is referred to as an "extramural" diverticulum. Extramural diverticula may vary in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. They usually are located in the area around the Papilla of Vater where the bile and pancreatic ducts enter the duodenum.

A second, rare type of diverticulum is referred to as an "intramural" diverticulum. It does not protrude from the duodenum. Rather, it protrudes into the duodenal lumen (the hollow inside of the duodenum through which digesting food flows). Both types of diverticula, extramural and intramural, communicate with the lumen of the duodenum so that contents of the duodenum can enter the diverticulum.

What causes a duodenal diverticulum?

The cause of extramural diverticula is not definitely known; however, they are believed to be acquired (not present from birth) due to a herniation (protrusion) of the duodenum through a defect in the muscle of the wall of the duodenum, perhaps in an area where arteries pass through the intestinal muscle to nourish the lining of the intestine.

What complications are caused by a duodenal diverticulum?

Extramural diverticula usually cause no symptoms. Occasionally, they may rupture (just like colonic diverticula) and lead to a pocket of inflammation adjacent to the duodenum with or without infection. This may result in all the signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal inflammation pain, fever, and abdominal tenderness.

If the diverticulum is very close to the ...

Recommended Reading Related to Duodenal Diverticulum

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Gallstones facts

  • Gallstones are "stones" that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
  • The common types of gallstones are cholesterol, black pigment, and brown pigment.
  • Cholesterol gallstones occur more frequently in several ethnic groups and are associated with female gender, obesity, pregnancy, oral hormonal therapy, rapid loss of weight, elevated blood triglyceride levels, and Crohn's disease.
  • Black pigment gallstones occur when there is increased destruction of red blood cells, and brown pigment gallstones occur when there is slow flow and infection of bile.
  • The majority of gallstones do not cause symptoms.
  • The most common symptoms of gallstones are biliary colic and cholecystitis. Gallstones do not cause intolerance to fatty foods, belching, abdominal distention, or gas.
  • Complications of gallstones include cho...

Emergency Contact for Duluth

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Duluth Hospitals *

Miller-Dwan Medical Center
502 E Second St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218)727-8762

St Mary's Duluth Clinic Health System
407 E Third St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218)786-4000

St Luke's Hospital
915 E 1st St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218)249-5555

St Mary's Hospital Superior
3500 Tower Ave
Superior, WI 54880
(715)395-5400

Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital
512 Skyline Blvd
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218)879-4641

Lake View Memorial Hospital
325 11th Ave
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218)834-7300

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