Diverticular Disease

Question 1

diverticular disease

Answer 1

multiple outpouchings on the gut wall d/t pressure against the wall & weakened bowel walls (similar to an aneurysm)

Question 2

diverticula

Answer 2

outpouchings aka bowel protrusions

Question 3

diverticula formed due to:

Answer 3

• increased intraluminal pressure

- weakened bowel walls d/t degenerative changes

Question 4

majority of diverticula is located where

Answer 4

sigmoid colon (it can form anywhere in the gut)

Question 5

etiology/risks

Answer 5

• aging (80% > 85 yrs)
• low fibre diet
• constipation
• poor lifestyle/inactivity

Question 6

how is constipation a risk

Answer 6

it increases intraluminal pressure which increases the risk of forming diverticula

Question 7

how is low fibre diet a risk

Answer 7

it causes constipation which increases intraluminal pressure which increases risk of forming diverticula

Question 8

how is a poor lifestyle/inactivity a risk

Answer 8

it increases transit time in the gut which increases the reabsorption of water which inc risk of constipation…

Question 9

3 steps to pathology

Answer 9

1. entry points of blood vessels into the GIT are weakened
2. mucosa herniates through the muscularis externa d/t inc intraluminal pressure
3. outpouchings form

Question 10

diverticulosis

Answer 10

formation of diverticula that are non-inflamed and pt is asympt

Question 11

diverticulitis

Answer 11

inflm of the diverticula that is inflamed

Question 12

diverticulitis causes an inc risk for…

Answer 12

perforation/rupture of the diverticula which leads to the release of intestinal bacteria and waste into the body causing further cmplx

Question 13

mnfts

Answer 13

• dull pain (local mnft)
• N/V
• fever

Question 14

dx

Answer 14

CT scan to show the diverticulum

Question 15

tx

Answer 15

• address risk factors/underlying problems to prevent more diverticula from forming
• Sx for obstruction, perforation (prevention)