diverticular disease Flashcards
What is diverticular disease? (3)
-Outpouching of colonic mucosa
-Most frequently affects the sigmoid due to its small diameter
-due to increased intra-colonic pressure at naturally weaker parts of the colon, where penetrating arteries enter wall of the colon
Define diverticulum
An outpouching at perforating artery sites
Define diverticular disease?
A symptomatic outpouching
Define diverticulosis
An asymptomatic outpouching
What percentage of diverticula are asymptomatic?
95% and only 5% are symptomatic (diverticular disease)
Define diverticulitis
Inflammation of outpouching - infection
What is Meckel’s diverticulum? How can you diagnose it? What is the rule of 2s? (6)
Paediatric disorder
-Failure of obliteration of vitelline duct
-Rule of 2s:
2 years old
2 inches long
2ft from illeocaecal valve (umbilical)
Diagnostic= technetium scan
Risk factors for diverticular disease? (4)
Connnective tissue disorders (ED + M)
Increased colon pressure
COPD + chronic cough
Age
Complications of diverticulitis? (3)
SBP (Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis)
Obstruction
Fistulae
Symptoms of diverticulitis? (3)
1) Left lower quadrant pain
2) constipation
3) fresh rectal bleeding
Investigations to diagnose diverticulitis?
CT abdominal/ pelvis with contrast = gold standard
Treatment for diverticulosis?
Nothing, watch and wait
Treatment for diverticular disease (2)
Bulk forming laxatives “isphagula husk”
Surgery is gold standard
Treatment for diverticulitis (4)
Antibotics (Co amoxiclav)
Paracetamol
IV Fluid + liquid food
Rarely surgery
