Colonic Diverticula Flashcards
What are the types of colonic diverticula?
- congenital/true -> all layers (Meckle’s diverticulum)
- aquired/false -> only mucosa & submucosa (sigmoid colon)
What are the causes of diverticula in the colon?
- diet low in fiber & rich in fat & red meat
- obesity
- low physical activity
- chronic constipation
What is the pathophysiology of colonic diverticula?
- increased intraluminal pressure
- altered collagen structure with aging (>60)
- weakness of intestinal wall (occurs in the gaps where the blood vessels penetrate)
- in sigmoid colon most common: highest pressure & narrowest lumen
What is the clinical presentation of colonic diverticula?
- asymptomatic
- distention
- flatulence
- heaviness in left iliac fossa
When should colonoscopy be used?
only if symptomatic
- diffuse diverticulosis
How is colonic diverticula managed?
- no treatment unless symptoms are severe -> sigmoidectomy
- prevention of progression
- > high fiber diet
- > physical activity
- > bulk-forming laxative
- > antispasmodics
What are the complications of colonic diverticula?
- hemorrhage
- diverticulitis
- abscess
- peritonitis
- fistula -> colovesical
- intestinal obstruction
What is the presentation of diverticulitis?
- persistent LIF pain
- fever
- diarrhea or constipation
- hematochezia
- tender palpable LIF mass
- shock & peritoneal signs: perforation peritonitis
What is the classification of diverticulitis?
GRADE I -> mesenteric or pericolic abscess
GRADE II -> pelvic abscess
GRADE III -> purulent peritonitis
GRADE IV -> faecal peritonitis
What workups should be done for diverticulitis?
- CBC
- CRP
- if shock: ABG, LFT, coagulation
- abdominal x-ray -> if perforation pneumoperitoneum
- CT abdomen & pelvis with IV contrast
How is mild diverticulitis (Hinchey 0-1) managed?
- > antibiotics (ciprofloxacin + metronidazole)
- > analgesics
- > NPO or clear fluid diet for 48 hours then low fiber diet till recovery
- > colonoscopy 6-8 weeks after recovery
How is Hinchey 2 (abscess ) managed?
- percutaneous drainage if abscess is >4-5cm
How is Hinchey 3-4 (peritonitis) managed?
- urgent surgery
- Hartmann’s procedure -> sigmoidectomy + end colostomy
mortality rate 50%
How is recurrent diverticulitis treated (0-2)?
- elective sigmoidectomy with colorectal anastomosis (laparoscopic)
What is the presentation of a colovesical fistula?
- fecaluria
- pneumaturia
- recurrent UTI