diverticulitis

Pathophysiology of diverticulitis

Diagnostic studies

• Abdominal CT (I+O+): diverticula, bowel wall thickening, pericolic fat ± abscess, fistula
• Colonoscopy contraindic. acutely as ↑ risk of perforation; for Pts w/o colonoscopy in the past year, perform 6–8 wks after to r/o neoplasm

Treatment-diverticulitis

Prevention (Gastro 2021;160:906)

• Avoid smoking and NSAIDs; insufficient evidence to recommend mesalamine or rifaximin
• Risk of recurrence 10–30% w/in 10 y of 1st episode; nuts, seeds ∅ increase risk