Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is common and most patients can be managed without surgery. Specialist input is helpful for recurrent attacks, complicated disease or persistent symptoms.
Overview
Diverticula are small outpouchings of the bowel wall, most commonly in the sigmoid colon. They are very common with age and usually cause no symptoms. Inflammation of one or more diverticula is called diverticulitis.
Symptoms
- Left-sided lower abdominal pain.
- Change in bowel habit.
- Fevers, malaise or feeling unwell during an acute attack.
- Rectal bleeding (uncommon but should always be assessed).
Assessment
Acute episodes are typically assessed with blood tests and CT imaging. Colonoscopy is usually recommended six to eight weeks after recovery from a first significant attack, unless one has been performed recently, to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other pathology.
Treatment
Most episodes settle with conservative management, including bowel rest and antibiotics where indicated. Surgery is reserved for complicated disease, recurrent attacks impacting quality of life, or where complications such as stricture or fistula develop.
Common questions
Brief answers to questions patients often raise at consultation.
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