Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of one or more of the balloon-shaped sacs (diverticula), which can form in the lining of the digestive system. Infection may or may not develop. Diverticulitis usually affects the large intestine (colon) and the most characteristic symptoms of patients who have it are: severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and produces a change in intestinal habits.
Diverticulitis usually appears after the age of 40, and in most cases, it has a good prognosis and can be treated with rest, drugs and a change in habits. Many people who suffer from it notice symptoms for the first time when complications occur, such as diverticular bleeding or diverticulitis.
The main symptom of diverticulitis is constant pain in the abdomen for several days; mainly in the lower left part of the abdomen. Other signs are:
The causes of diverticulitis are not entirely clear, but experts believe that there are a number of factors that may play a role in causing or increasing the risk of this disease.
Research suggests that certain genes may increase the likelihood that some people will develop diverticular disease. Aging, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, a low-fiber diet combined with high consumption of red meat and some medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can also favor the development of diverticula.
Experts are studying other factors that could contribute to the condition, including:
Diverticulitis can lead to a series of complications such as fistulas, the creation of an abscess, that is, an accumulation of pus. As well as peritonitis, which is a rupture of a diverticulum that spills its contents into the intestinal cavity. It's a medical emergency. If it occurs, you should go immediately to the hospital emergency room. And finally, a narrowing.
The diagnosis of diverticulitis usually occurs after the manifestation of an acute attack of abdominal pain. To confirm the disease, doctors review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and order various tests.
In some cases, doctors may notice diverticula in the wall of the colon during tests, such as x-rays or a colonoscopy, that are done for another reason. In women, a pelvic exam is also performed to rule out pelvic disease.
An imaging test such as a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis may be helpful in determining that the problem is diverticulitis and not appendicitis or another diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an alternative test for pregnant women or young people. In addition, the following will also be necessary: blood and urine tests; rule out a possible pregnancy; liver enzyme analysis; stool analysis.
The treatment to combat diverticulitis will depend on the severity of the case. Mild symptoms can be overcome with rest, in case of infection, with antibiotics or following a liquid diet until intestinal normality is restored.
If it is a more complicated diverticulitis, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics are needed, and drainage of abdominal abscess(es) is needed.
In the event of an intestinal abscess, fistula or obstruction, surgery or an intestinal resection will be needed, which can be primary or with a colostomy. In primary intestinal resection, if it is not complicated it can be done through laparoscopy, the surgeon removes the diseased segments of your intestine and then reconnects the healthy segments (anastomosis) which allows the intestines to be evacuated normally.
In cases of intestinal resection with colostomy, apart from the resection, a stoma is also opened in the abdominal wall that connects to the healthy part of the colon through which waste passes to a bag. It is reversible as soon as the inflammation is overcome. After surgery, medical follow-up is necessary.
