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Diverticular Disease
05/01/2002 |
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Diverticulosis is a condition in which there exist “pockets” or outpouchings of the wall of the colon. The precise etiology is unclear but likely relates to abnormal patterns of contraction of the wall of the colon. In the Western world, diverticulosis is thought to be related to an inadequate intake of dietary fiber. Diverticulosis is the presence of these pockets in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis describes inflammation or infection of these outpouchings.
Symptoms Symptoms attributable to diverticulosis are generally due to thickening and spasm of the wall of the colon. Possible symptoms include abdominal pain (typically on the lower left side), change in bowel habits and diarrhea. Severe, potentially life-threatening bleeding may also result from diverticulosis. Symptoms from diverticulitis are generally more inflammatory in nature and may include abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and a variety of other symptoms related to the nature and extent of inflammation in an individual patient. Diagnosis The diagnosis of diverticulosis is made by endoscopic or radiographic evaluation of the colon. Deciding which symptoms might be due to diverticulosis can be challenging. The diagnosis of diverticulitis is often made by an evaluation of the patient and confirmed by additional studies. Treatment Diverticulosis is often asymptomatic and generally requires no treatment. Once the condition has been identified, a high-fiber diet is usually recommended to prevent the development of further disease. Crampy abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements that may accompany diverticulosis are usually managed by dietary modification and medications directed toward treating the muscular spasm of the colon. Treatment of diverticulitis is individualized to the patient and his or her particular illness. Some people may be treated as an outpatient with oral antibiotics – others require hospitalization with bowel rest and intravenous antibiotics. Patients with recurrent, complicated or severe diverticulitis may require surgery for their disease. Typically this involves removing a portion of the colon. Follow-up Those people who recover from an attack of diverticulitis without require surgery should have an evaluation of their colon to confirm that their illness was, in fact, due to diverticulitis and not some other pathologic process. This evaluation usually takes the form of colonoscopy. For more information, visit the ASCRS website at www.fascrs.org |
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Indiana Colon & Rectal Surgeons
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