Diverticular Disease Flashcards
1
Q
Risk factors for diverticular disease (7)
A
FADLOSS
- Female sex
- Age 40-50 years
- Drugs (steroids, opiates, NSAIDs)
- Low fibre diet (controversial)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
2
Q
True vs. false diverticulum
- Pathophysiology
- Area most commonly affected
A
- True diverticulum - involves all layers of the bowel wall. Most often congenital and affecting proximal colon.
- False diverticulum - involves the mucosa only. Most often affects sigmoid colon, followed by descending colon.
3
Q
Pathophysiology of diverticulitis
A
Faecalith becomes trapped in abnormal outpouching and causes inflammation.
4
Q
Symptoms of diverticulitis (4)
A
- Generalised suprapubic/LIF/LF pain
- Nausea +/- vomiting
- Diarrhoea +/- blood and mucus
- Distension
Remember to look for signs of peritonism to rule out a perforation.
5
Q
Investigations for diverticulitis, including findings on AXR
A
- Bloods (FBE, CRP)
2. Imaging (CT, AXR - dilated bowel loops, colonoscopy 4-6 weeks later to avoid perforation risk)
6
Q
Management of diverticulitis
A
- Bowel rest, fluids, analgesics
- IV ceftriaxone and metronidazole
- Surgical resection
- Post-recovery diet: 2 weeks low fibre, low residue. Gradually increase to a high fibre diet.
7
Q
Complications of diverticulitis (5)
A
- Obstruction
- Perforation
- Abscess
- Fistula
- Bleeding
