Diverticular Disease Flashcards

1
Q

What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

A

Diverticulosis
Presence of diverticula without inflammation or infection

Diverticulitis
Inflammation and infection of diverticula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the pathophysiology of diverticulitis?

A

Large intestine has circular muscle, where the muscle is penetrated by blood vessels are areas of weakness

Increased pressure can form a gap in these parts of circular muscle

Gaps allow mucosa to herniate through to form diverticula

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Why do diverticula not form in the rectum?

A

Outer longitudinal muscle completely surrounds diameter of the rectum giving support

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Which areas of the colon are vulnerable to diverticula development?

A

Areas not covered by taeniae coli

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What part of the bowel is most commonly affected by diverticulosis?

A

Sigmoid colon, small bowel diverticula much less common

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

When is diverticulosis more common?

A

Increased age
Low fibre diets
Obesity
NSAID use

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How is diverticulosis normally diagnosed?

A

Incidentally on colonoscopy or CT

Treatment not needed if asymptomatic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What symptoms can diverticulosis cause?

A

LIF pain
Constipation
Rectal bleeding

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How is diverticulosis managed?

A

Increased fibre diet
Bulk-forming laxatives (ispaghula husk)

Avoid stimulant laxatives, Senna

Surgery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How does acute diverticulitis present?

A

LIF pain
Fever
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Palpable abdominal mass
Raised inflammatory markers and WBCs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the suggested NICE management of uncomplicated diverticulitis?

A

Oral co-amoxiclav at least 5 days

Analgesia

Only clear liquids, avoid solid food until improved symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the complications of acute diverticulitis?

A

Perforation
Peritonitis
Peridiverticular abscess
Large haemorrhage
Fistula
Ileus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly