Diverticulitis
Videos
Overview
Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula—small pouches that form in the colon wall—become inflamed or infected. Symptoms often include left‑lower‑quadrant abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Mild cases can be treated with antibiotics and dietary modification, while severe or recurrent episodes may require hospitalization or surgery. Complications include abscess, perforation, fistula, and bowel obstruction.
Causes
Diverticulitis develops when stool or bacteria become trapped in a diverticulum, leading to inflammation or infection. Risk increases with age, constipation, low‑fiber diet, obesity, and chronic inflammation.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include age over 40, low‑fiber diet, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, chronic constipation, and prior episodes of diverticulitis.
How Diverticulitis Affects the Body
Inflammation causes swelling and infection in the colon wall. Severe cases may lead to abscess formation, perforation, or fistula. Chronic inflammation can cause scarring and narrowing of the colon.
Complications
Complications include abscess, perforation, peritonitis, fistula, bowel obstruction, bleeding, and recurrent episodes requiring surgery.
Symptoms & Sings
Symptoms include left‑lower‑quadrant abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Severe cases may cause worsening pain or signs of infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes CT scan with contrast (gold standard), blood tests, physical exam, and evaluation of symptoms. Colonoscopy is performed after recovery to rule out other conditions.
Differential Diagnosis
Includes appendicitis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts, kidney stones, and colon cancer.
Lifestyle Modifications
Patients should increase dietary fiber (after recovery), stay hydrated, maintain regular bowel habits, avoid smoking, and manage weight. During acute episodes, a clear‑liquid or low‑residue diet may be recommended.
Treatment Options
Treatment includes antibiotics, bowel rest, pain control, and hydration. Abscesses may require drainage. Recurrent or complicated diverticulitis may require minimally invasive colon resection.
When to See a Doctor
Seek evaluation if you experience persistent abdominal pain, fever, or symptoms that worsen over time.
When to Seek Treatment
Treatment is recommended when symptoms are severe, when imaging confirms diverticulitis, or when complications such as abscess or perforation develop.
Long-Term Outlook
Long‑term management includes a high‑fiber diet, hydration, and lifestyle changes. Surgical outcomes for recurrent or complicated diverticulitis are excellent.
Prognosis
Most patients recover fully with medical treatment. Recurrent episodes may require surgery but generally have excellent outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz
Dr. Nestor de la Cruz‑Muñoz provides expert diagnosis and minimally invasive surgical treatment for diverticulitis, offering safe, effective care for both uncomplicated and complex cases.
