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Diverticulitis
What is diverticulitis?
Diverticulae, or pouches that are caused by weakness in the colon wall, are present in three-fourths of people over the age of 70. Diverticulitis, which occurs when one of the pouches ruptures, is the most common reason people undergo colon resection in the United States.
What are the risk factors?
Age – Older adults are more likely to develop patches in their colons, which can lead to diverticulitis.
Family History – Diverticulitis appears to run in families; therefore, individuals with parents or siblings diagnosed with diverticulitis are more likely to develop the condition.
Diet – A diet with few fruits, vegetables and grains or a high-fat diet can increase the risk of developing diverticulitis. Another risk factor is not drinking enough water. Water helps to flush the intestinal system.
Exercise – Exercise reduces the risk of constipation, thus reducing the risk of developing diverticulitis.
What causes it?
A diet low in fiber may be linked to diverticulitis, although this theory has yet to be proven. However, the condition is very common in industrialized countries, such as the United States, and rare in Asia and Africa where people tend to maintain diets rich in vegetables.
Diverticulitis occurs when the weak spots in the colon bulge, becoming diverticula. The diverticula then become infected or inflamed. Researchers are unsure as to what causes the inflammation, but a diverticulitis attack can occur very suddenly.
What are the symptoms?
The severity of this condition can vary from mild pain (usually in the lower left abdomen) to severe abdominal pain and shock.
Since the minor symptoms of diverticulitis are similar to many other bowel disorders, including Crohn&rsduo;s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, it is important to talk to your physician and have a complete physical if you experience the above symptoms.
How is diverticulitis diagnosed?
In addition to a review of the patient&rsduo;s medical history, the doctor may perform a physical exam, digital rectal exam and X-rays to show signs of blockage.
What treatments are available?
Individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis are often treated with antibiotics that treat the infection and inflammation and prevent or minimize additional complications. Physicians sometimes recommend bed rest and a liquid diet for several days to help the colon heal.
More serious diverticulitis attacks can lead to a hospital stay or even surgery. Surgery is usually performed when attacks are frequent or severe. During the surgery, the physician performs a colon resection, by removing the affected portion of the colon and joining the remaining sections. This operation is done laparoscopically, resulting in less scarring and pain, as well as a shorter recovery time following surgery. The goal of a colon resection is to prevent additional attacks or complications.
Emergency surgery can also be performed if a large abscess, perforation or bleeding are present. Emergency surgery usually includes two separate operations. The first operation clears the abdomen from infection and removes part of the colon. The second operation rejoins the ends of the colon.
Emergency surgery is avoided unless absolutely necessary. This approach allows time to eliminate other possible causes of colon perforation, such as colon cancer, ischemia (poor blood supply) or inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to keep in mind that some patients, particularly those who have had only one major episode, can avoid operation altogether.
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