Diverticular disease

Question 1

diverticulosis vs diverticular disease vs diverticulitis

Answer 1

diverticulosis: presence of diverticula which are asymptomatic

diverticular disease: divertciula with symptoms

diverticulitis: diverticular inflammation (fever, tachycardia) with/without localised sx

Question 2

main risk factors

Answer 2

> 50yo, low dietary fibre (hard poo causing mucosa to herniat on squeezing)

Question 3

sx diverticulitis

Answer 3

Severe LIF pain, fever, constipation, temperature, tachycardia. N&V. Similar to appendicitis but on other side.​

Question 4

complications (1/3rd pts)

Answer 4

perforation, abscess, fistula, stricture/obstruction

Question 5

what complication can occur from diverticular disease (not necessarily from diverticulitis)? how does it present?

Answer 5

haemorrhage. abrupt, painless. mild lower abdominal cramps or the urge to defecate, followed by passage of a large amount of red or maroon blood or clots

Question 6

ix

Answer 6

colonoscopy

Question 7

rx diverticular disease

Answer 7

admit if blood loss
high fibre diet
fluids
bulk forming laxatives

Question 8

who to admit if diverticulitis

Answer 8

admit if: pain no managed with paracetamol, can’t orally hydrate, significant comorbidity, complications, symptoms persist for 48h of home rx

Question 9

rx at home of diverticulitis

Answer 9

braod spectrum rx e.g. coamox or ciproflox+metro

paracetamol
clear liquids only, reintroduce solid foods as sx improve
review within 48 h