Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of small pouches called diverticula that can form in the lining of the intestines. The sigmoid colon is the most common location. Risk factors include aging, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, and a low-fiber diet. Symptoms include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, fever, and urinary issues. Complications can include peritonitis, fistulas, obstruction, or abscess. Diagnosis involves tests like CT scan, ultrasound, and colonoscopy. Mild cases are treated with antibiotics and diet, while severe or complicated cases may require hospitalization, IV antibiotics, or surgery.

1. DIVERTICULITIS
GREESHMA KRISHNAKUMAR

2.  Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of diverticula that can form in
the intestines.
 Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the
digestive system
 occurs either from increased intraluminal pressure or inspissated food particle

3.  The sigmoid colon is the most common location for diverticula and therefore is
the most common location of diverticulitis.
 The severity of disease can range from mild inflammation localized to a segment
of the bowel wall (micro perforation) to feculent peritonitis (macro perforation).
The majority of patients (75%) present with simple, uncomplicated,
diverticulitis

5. RISK FACTORS
 Aging
 Obesity
 Smoking
 Lack of exercises
 Diet high in animal fat and low in fibre
 Certain medications (steroids, opioids and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen
and naproxen sodium)

6. CLINICAL FEATURES
 Abdominal pain and fullness localized to the left-lower quadrant.
The severity of abdominal pain ranges from mild to severe, often
described as steady aching or cramping.
 Changes in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or both
are common.
 Nausea and vomiting .

7.  Low-grade fever
 Tachycardia
 Urinary urgency, frequency and dysuria

8. COMPLICATIONS
 Peritonitis that happens when the inflamed pouch ruptures
allowing intestinal waste material leak out of the intestine into
the surrounding abdominal cavity. This is a serious and medical
emergency and require immediate care.
 Fistulas most commonly involve the bladder or colon, but may also
extend to involve the ureter, urethra, vagina, uterus, small bowel,
ovaries, fallopian tubes, perineum, and abdominal wall

9.  Obstruction of the colon or small intestine
 Abscess

10. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
 CBC, ESR
 Urine analysis
 X-ray of lower GI tract
 Abdominal and pelvic CT- A CT scan is the best test to diagnose
diverticulitis. It can also help determine the severity of the condition
and guide treatment
 Ultrasound of pelvis
 Colonoscopy
 B-hCG

11. MANAGEMENT
 Mild or uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated with
antibiotics, over –the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen,
or a liquid diet for a few days while the bowel heals.
 With severe or complicated diverticulitis, patient may need
hospitalization and treatment may include intravenous antibiotics
and abscess draining if one has formed.

12.  Surgery may be recommended if complications and several
episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis is present.
 The surgical approach consists of primary bowel resection and
bowel resection with colostomy