Diverticular disease is condition that creates small sacs from the wall of the colon. Complications may arise. The presence of diverticulosis can lead to several different complications such as diverticulitis, perforation, stricture, fistula, and bleeding.
Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon that is caused by perforation of one of the sacs in the colon. Coast common symptoms are abdominal pain and fever. Abscess formation and perforation of the colon may complicate the disease. Other complications include bleeding, narrowing in the colon, or fistula formation. Most common fistulas connect the colon to the bladder. Connections between colon and skin, uterus, vagina, or another part of the bowel may also occur.
Causes: Diet low in fiber and high in red meat causes areas weak in the colon wall to bulge and form sacs.
Diagnosis: Often has no symptoms. Commonly diagnosed during screening colonoscopy. A CT scan is used to confirm the diagnosis of diverticulitis.
Treatment: People with diverticulosis should eat diet high in fiber and fruits and vegetables and low in red meat. Diverticulitis can be treated with antibiotics. If abscesses are present, drainage under X-ray or Ultrasound guidance can be performed.
Surgery is indicated if perforation of the colon is present, the abscess cannot be effectively drained, unresponsiveness to medical therapy, immunocompromised patients, presence of colonic stricture or fistula, or patients with multiple attacks.
The choice of operation depends on the features of the disease and the patient.