DIVERTICULAR DISEASE AND DIVERTICULITIS

Question 1

Diverticulosis

Answer 1

Small pouches develop in the lining of the intestine but asymptomatic

Question 2

Diverticular Disease

Answer 2

small pouches develop in the lining of the intestine but symptomatic

Question 3

Diverticular Disease - symptoms

Answer 3

Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, or rectal bleed

Question 4

Acute Diverticulitis

Answer 4

when pouches become inflamed or infected

Question 5

Acute Diverticulitis - symptoms

Answer 5

Severe abdominal pain, fever, significant rectal bleeding

Question 6

Complicated acute diverticulitis symptoms

Answer 6

abscess, perforation, fistula, obstruction, sepsis, haemorrhage

Question 7

Management - acute diverticulitis

Answer 7

Co-amoxiclav 625mg TDS for 5 days, then review
Cefalexin 500 mg (BD/TDS) + Metronidazole (400 mg TDS)

Question 7

Treatment

Answer 7

High fibre diet
Bulk-forming laxatives
Paracetamol (abdominal pain)
Antispasmodic, e.g. mebeverine (cramps)