Diverticulitis

Question 1

Definition of diverticulitis?

Answer 1

A pouch that forms in the large intestine

True diverticulitis is where it has muscle layer

False diverticulitis is where it has no muscle layer (false is most common)

Question 2

Pathophysiology of diverticulitis?

Answer 2

Smooth muscle contraction happen in the large intestine.

When contraction happen fast + loads causing the patches to form

Sigmoid colon Has the most pressure so its where diverticular form the most

Diverticulitis happens in the colon:
- doesn’t show any symptoms
-Only found through colonoscopy + CT
-Diverticula can be inflamed causing diverticulitis

If diverticulitis ruptures it can have a fistula form with the bladder.

Question 3

Treatment for diverticulitis?

Answer 3

Antibiotics
- limit bacteria growth

High fibre diet (for recovery)

Surgical removal

Question 4

Test for diverticulitis?

Answer 4

Blood test:
- Raised WCC
- Raised ESR
- Raised CRP

Question 5

What is merkel diverticulum?

Answer 5

It is a congenital abnormality of GI tract.

Question 6

Where would pain be in diverticulitis?

Answer 6

Left lower quadrant pain and fever