Diverticulitis

Causes and Risks:
Small protruding sacs of the inner lining of the intestine (diverticulosis) may occur in any part of the intestine but are most common in the colon. They occur with increasing frequency after the age of 40.

Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition where gross or microscopic perforation (hole) of the diverticula has occurred. It affects 10 to 20% of those with diverticula at some time. Infection can occur. Risk factors are older age and history of diverticula. Low-fiber diet may be a contributing factor to the development of diverticula. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people.

Prevention:
A high-fiber diet may prevent development of the disease.

Symptoms:

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:



Signs and Tests:

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:



Treatment:
Acute diverticulitis requires antibiotic therapy.

Recurrent attacks or presence of perforation (hole), fistula (abnormal tube-like passage), or abscess requires surgical resection of the involved portion of the colon.

After the acute infection has stabilized, diverticular disease is treated by increasing the bulk in the diet with high-fiber foods and bulk additives such as Metamucil.

Prognosis:
Usually cases are mild and respond well to treatment.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur.

Also call if you have diverticulitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.


Colonoscopy has become a very important diagnostic procedure in detecting diseases of the colon. The entire length of the colon can be visualized using a flexible fiber optic scope. The specialist (gastroenterologist) can see the interior of the colon and take samples (biopsy) if necessary. The entire procedure can be viewed on a color monitor and videotaped for later evaluation.



This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.