Things You Need To Know About Diverticular Disease

What Is Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis?
Diverticula are pockets that develop in the colon wall, usually in the sigmoid or left colon, but may involve the entire colon.
Diverticulosis means the presence of these pockets. Diverticulitis are inflammation or complications of these pockets.

What are the Symptoms of Diverticular Disease?
Uncomplicated diverticular disease is usually not associated with symptoms. Symptoms are related to complications of diverticular disease including diverticulitis and bleeding. Diverticular disease is a common cause of significant bleeding from the colon.

Diverticulitis - an infection of the diverticula. It may cause one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Chills, fever
- Change in bowel habits
More intense symptoms are associated with serious complications such as perforation (rupture), abscess or fistula formation (an abnormal connection between the colon and another organ or the skin).

What is the Cause of Diverticular Disease?
The cause is not precisely known, but it is more common for people with a low fiber diet. It is thought that a low-fiber diet over the years creates increased colon pressure and results in pockets or diverticula.

How Is Diverticular Disease Treated?
Increasing the amount of dietary fiber (grains, legumes, vegetables, etc.) - and sometimes restricting certain food reduces the pressure in the colon and may decrease the risk of complications due to diverticular disease.

Diverticulitis requires different management. Mild cases may be managed with antibiotics, dietary restrictions and possibly stool softeners. More severe cases require hospitalisation with intravenous antibiotics and dietary restrains. Most acute attacks can be relieved with such methods.

When Is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is reserved for patients with recurrent episodes of diverticulitis, complications or severe attacks when there is no response to medication. Surgery may also be required in individuals with bleeding from diverticulosis.Surgery is also needed if patients developed complications from diverticulitis (stricture, obstruction, fistula).

Surgical treatment for diverticulitis removed the diseased part of colon. Complete recovery can be expected. In emergency surgeries, patients may require a temporary colostomy bag. Patients are encouraged to seek medical attention for abdominal symptoms early to help avoid complications.

Source: ASCRS