A person is said to be suffering from a diverticular disease when there is an outpouching of a part of the intestinal mucosa. A diverticulum (diverticular) is a pouch-like area that can form anywhere in the intestines but it is most common in the sigmoid area. When multiple diverticular are presence without signs and symptoms of inflammation, it is referred as diverticulosis.  Diverticulitis refers to the inflammation of a diverticulum as a result of food and bacteria that get retained in a diverticulum.

 

Diverticulosis Risk Factors

Diverticulosis Signs and Symptoms

Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic and even though signs and symptoms may be presence, they are usually very mild and ranges from;

Diverticulitis Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include;

Diverticulosis Diagnostic Tests

Diverticulitis Complication

Most of signs and symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from diverticulitis results from complications. Possible complications associated with diverticulitis include; obstruction, abscess formation, perforation, peritonitis and hemorrhage.

 

In patients with abscess, a palpable mass, tenderness, fever and increased white blood cells are usually the prominent signs and symptoms. If perforation occurs, it results to localized abdominal pain. Peritonitis results to rigid-board like abdomen, abdominal pain, absence of bowel sounds, followed by signs and symptoms of shock.

 

Diverticulitis Treatment

Diverticulitis is usually treated with medication and diet modification. Antibiotics, pain relievers, laxatives and antispasmodics are usually prescribed.  Patients are put on clear liquid until when the inflammation subsides and then advised to eat a high fiber, low fat diet and to increase oral fluid intake.  Rest is also encouraged.

 

Surgical Management of Diverticulitis

Most diverticulitis are usually well managed with medication, diet and it is only in rare occasion that surgery is recommended. The two surgical procedures that are usually performed are; The-one stage resection and Multiple-stage resection, depending on the extent of the complication.