Diverticular Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What are the risk factors for diverticular disease?
A
- low fibre
- decreased physical activity
- increased red meat
- excessive alcohol and caffeine
- steroids and NSAIDs
2
Q
What is the pathophysiology of diverticular disease?
A
-not understood but thought to be increased intestinal transit time due to low fibre causing increased intraluminal pressure
3
Q
What are the presenting symptoms of diverticular disease?
A
- intermittent cramping
- lower abdominal discomfort (LLQ pain)
- constipation
- distension
4
Q
What are the exam findings in diverticular disease?
A
- LLQ abdominal pain
- fever
- guarding and tenderness
- sometimes rectal bleeding
5
Q
What investigations are done for diverticular disease?
A
- FBE
- CXR (to rule out free gas)
- CT scan (cancer must be ruled out)
- can do colonoscopy
6
Q
DDx for diverticular disease?
A
- colorectal cancer
- appendictis
- Ulcerative colitis
- IBS
- Chron’s disease
7
Q
what is the treatment for diverticular disease?
A
- Change in diet
- analgesia
- antibiotics to treat acute infections (ceftriaxone and metronidazole)
8
Q
What are diverticula?
A
thin-walled mucosal/submucosal outpouchings through the muscular layer of the large bowel
