Topic 7: Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis Flashcards
Diverticula
saccular dilations or outpouchings of the mucosa that develop in the colon (commonly left/descending/sigmoid) that appear to occur at weak points in the intestinal wall.
what are contributing factors to diverticula
Contributing factors are constipation and lack of dietary fiber.
Diverticulosis
presence of multiple noninflamed diverticula
Diverticulitis
inflammation of 1 or more diverticula, resulting in perforation into the peritoneum
clinical manifestations of diverticulosis
· Most patients with diverticulosis have no symptoms
· If symptoms appear: abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, changes in bowel habits
clinical manifestations of diverticulitis
o Acute pain in LLQ
o Distention
o Decreased or absent bowel sounds
o N/V
Systemic symptoms of infection (as erosion of the bowel wall can cause perforation into the peritoneum
diagnosis for diveritulosis/diverticulitis
Usually found during routine sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
conservative therapy for diverticulosis/diverticulitis
· High fiber diet (mainly from fruits and vegetables)
· Decrease intake of fat and red meat
· Fluid intake of at least 2 L per day
· High levels of activity seem to decrease risk
· Dietary fiber supplements
· Stool softeners
· Anticholinergics
· Clear liquid diet
· Weight reduction (if overweight)
what is the goal of acute care for diverticulitis
to let colon rest and inflammation subside
Acute Care: Diverticulitis
· Antibiotic therapy
· NPO status
· IV fluid
· Analgesics
· NG suction (low suction will provide decompression)
· Surgery
· Possible resection if involved colon
· Possible temporary colostomy
· Patients should avoid factors that increase intrabdominal pressure
what factors increase intrabdominal pressure
Straining at stool, vomiting, bending, heavy living, wearing tight restrictive clothing
