Description A diverticulum is a...
Description
A diverticulum is an outpouching of the colon that develop as one ages. Diverticulitis occurs when the opening of these pouches become blocked and get inflamed or infected. The pain is in the lower abdomen and more likely on the left. If severe, the diverticulum can perforate and lead to a life threatening infection.
Symptoms
Lower abdominal pain (more common on the left), diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and a CT scan or MRI may be performed to define the disease and determine the extent of the involvement. A CT scan is especially useful in identifying a perforation and/or abscess.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and a CT scan or MRI may be performed to define the disease and determine the extent of the involvement. A CT scan is especially useful in identifying a perforation and/or abscess.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Treatment
If not severe, diverticulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics, More serious cases require intravenous antibiotics and bowel rest. Abscesses require drainage either percutaneously or surgically. If the infection is severe the affected colon may need to be removed surgically.