Diverticular Disease Flashcards
What are diverticulae?
Sac-like protrusions of mucosa through the muscular wall of the colon. Most commonly sigmoid, 5-10mm diameter & multiple
What part of the colon are they most commonly found in?
Sigmoid
What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis: diverticula present but asymptomatic
What is diverticular disease?
Diverticular disease: diverticula cause symptoms such as intermittent lower abdo pain, without inflammation or infection
What is diverticulitis?
inflamed & infected diverticula. Severe lower abdo pain, fever, general malaise & sometimes rectal bleeding
What is complicated diverticulitis?
associated with abscess, peritonitis, fistula, obstruction & perforation
What is uncomplicated diverticulitis?
localised inflammation, does not extend to the peritoneum
Why is a low-fibre diet a RF?
Lowers stool bulk, slows transit time & increases intra-luminal pressure
How is diverticulosis diagnosed?
Usually incidental/ large painless rectal bleed
How does diverticular disease present?
Intermittent abdo pain in the lft lower quadrant
May be triggered ny eating/ relieved by passing stools or flatus
Constipation/ diarrhoea/ bloating/ mucus
How does diverticulitis present?
Constant severe abdo pain, starts in hypogastrium then to the L lower quadrant, with fever
N&V
Signs of perforation & peritonitis
Abdominal rigidity, guarding, rebound tenderness
Signs of obstruction
Colicky abdo pain, constipation, vomiting, distension
Management of diverticulosis
Info: Guts UK website
Healthy eating, high fibre diet
Drink water
Management of diverticular disease
Refer to colorectal surgeon (my req a colonoscopy or CT)
Same advice as for diverticulosis
Bulk-forming laxative (if high fibre diet is insufficient)
Paracetamol PRN
Review in a month
