Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis of the colon is a common condition that affects about 50 percent of Americans by age 60 and nearly all by age 80. Fortunately only a small percent of affected have symptoms and even fewer need surgery.

Diverticula are outpouchings that develop in the colon wall, usually in the sigmoid or left colon, but may involve the entire colon. Diverticulosis describes the presence of these outpouchings. Diverticulitis describes inflammation or complications of these outpouchings.

What are the symptoms? How is it diagnosed?
The major symptoms of diverticular disease are abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, alteration of bowel habit and, occasionally, severe rectal bleeding. These symptoms occur in only a small number of patients and can be difficult to distinguish from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Diverticulitis may cause one or more of the following: pain, chills, fever, and change in bowel habits. More intense symptoms are associated with serious complications, such as perforation, abscess, or fistula formation. Diagnosis is usually made by a CT scan or barium enema.

How is it treated?
Diverticulitis is initially managed with oral or intraveneous antibiotics depending on severity, and dietary restrictions. Surgery is recommended for recurrent episodes, complications such as perforation, stricture, or severe attacks when there is little or no response to medication. We have extensive experience curing this disease by a laparsocopic operation.

References: Jani N, Finkelstein S, Blumberg D, Regueiro M. Segmental Colitis Associated with Diverticulosis. Dig Dis Sci 2002; 47: 1175-81.