Diverticular Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is diverticular disease?
A
Clinical state related to diverticulosis (colonic herniation through the muscular colonic wall), such as diverticulitis (infection of same)
2
Q
What are the risk factors for diverticular disease?
A
- Low fibre diet (bowel overactivity)
- Age > 50
3
Q
What are patients with diverticular disease likely to present with?
With diverticulitis?
A
- LLQ abdominal pain (mostly in sigmoid colon)
- Bloating
- Altered bowel habits
- Diverticulitis - same with fever, peritonism
- Large frank rectal bleeds can occur
4
Q
How can diverticular disease be confirmed through investigation?
A
- Abdo Xray/CT
- Sigmoid/colonoscopy
- Diverticulitis diagnosis will also require FBE, ESR/CRP/WCC
5
Q
What are the principles of management of diverticular disease?
A
- Increase in dietary fibre
- Antibiotics (amoxyclav) if infection suspected
- Surgery, if refractory to treatment
