Diverticulitis
(Diverticulosis)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Diverticulitis
Often your doctor may find that you have diverticulosis when performing a test looking for a different disease. For example, during a routine colonoscopy your doctor may see the diverticula.
During an attack, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you about symptoms. They may also run blood, urine, and other tests to check for infection and rule out other possible causes. A computer axial tomography (CAT) scan, also known as a CT scan, is used to confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis.
Treating and Preventing Diverticulitis
The great majority of people with diverticulosis never experience mild bleeding, let alone fistulas or peritonitis.
If you have diverticula, your doctor may want to minimize their number to avert the possibility of diverticulitis. Medications don't usually help, but a high-roughage diet and sometimes bran or psyllium seed preparations can help.
Esophageal diverticula are normally left in place, as they pose no danger.
Bleeding from a diverticula may stop after the administration of medications such as vasopressin.* Sometimes, a doctor can stop the bleeding during a colonoscopy. If the bleeding does not stop, you may need a segmental resection, which is a surgical procedure to remove part of an organ (in this case, part of the intestines).
Many times, surgery can be performed laparoscopically, which is a less invasive surgery performed through very small incisions in the abdomen using a very specialized surgical instrument.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated at home with rest, a modified diet, and antibiotics. You'll often feel better within a week, though it's still important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet for a few weeks after that. People with severe diverticulitis are treated in hospital. They're fed by intravenous drip to keep the gastrointestinal tract rested and empty, and if necessary given intravenous antibiotics.
If you have repeated attacks of diverticulitis, your doctor may consider you as a candidate for surgery. Again, the standard procedure is segmental resection. This operation doesn't cause incontinence or any loss of bowel function.
If peritonitis or other complications of the rupture of the bowel wall occur, surgery is needed to close the hole and/or drain the infection.
To prevent or slow the development of diverticula and diverticulitis, do the following to help promote a healthy bowel:
- Increase the amount of fibre in your diet – eat high-fibre foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Drink lots of water throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Diverticulitis
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