Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis Flashcards
What are the key features of diverticulosis?
The presence of diverticula.
What are diverticula?
Pouches protruding from the walls of the large intestine.
What clinical feature signifies acute diverticulitis?
Sudden inflammation or infection.
What signifies complicated acute diverticulitis?
Abscesses, bowel perforation, peritonitis, fistulae, intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage and sepsis.
What are the symptoms of diverticular disease?
Abdominal tenderness. Mild, intermittent, lower abdominal pain. Constipation, Diarrhoea. Occasional, large rectal bleeds.
What are the symptoms of acute diverticulitis?
Constant, severe lower abdominal pain. Fever. Sudden change in bowel habits. Significant rectal bleeding. Lower abdominal tenderness. A palpable abdominal mass.
What is the presence of diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
40+ years.
What are the aims of treatment for diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
Relieve symptoms of diverticular disease. Improve quality of life. Manage symptoms of acute diverticulitis. Reduce risk of recurrence and complications.
What information should parents, families and carers be provided with regards to diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
Diet and lifestyle changes. Course of the disease. Likelihood of progression. Symptoms and symptoms management. Investigations and treatment options. When and how to seek further medical advice.
When advising patients with diverticular disease and diverticulitis on dietary changes, particular attention should be made to what?
A balanced diet including whole grains, fruit and veg.
When a patient with diverticular disease or diverticulitis is increasing the fibre in their diet, what advice should they be given?
Increase fibre intake gradually to minimise flatulence and bloating. Drink adequate water. It may take several weeks before the benefit is felt. A high fibre diet should be maintained lifelong if tolerated.
In complicated acute diverticulitis, what may be the last resort?
Emergency or elective surgery.
Which laxatives can be offered for patients with diverticulosis and constipation?
Bulk forming - ispaghula husk, methylcellulose.
Which laxatives can be offered to a patient with diverticular disease when a high-fibre diet may be unsuitable or they are suffering with persistent constipation or diarrhoea?
Bulk forming - ispaghula husk, methylcellulose.
What should be recommended for a patient with diverticular disease with persistent abdominal pain?
Simple analgesia - paracetamol.
