# Diverticulosis
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**Diverticulosis** or **diverticular disease** is a condition of the [[intestines]] where small little sacs pooch out from the intestinal wall. Usually it's found in the [[large intestine|sigmoid colon]]. A single instance of this is called a **diverticulum**, the plural is **diverticula**. Although on its they're harmless, food or feces can get caught in them and brew up bacteria, causing a swelling of the lining, or **diverticulitis**. This is a potentially serious condition, especially if the diverticula rupture.
## Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis- diverticulum inflamed, leading to perforation and potential complications such as
obstruction, abscess, fistula, etc
Can be in stages 0-4
stages 2-4 may require hospitilization
## Risk Factors
Risk factors
• Low fiber intake
• Obesity
• History of cigarette smoking
• Family history
• Regular use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen
age (+65)
## Signs & Symptoms
' Chronic constipation
' Bloating
' LLQ pain
' Progress to peritonitis
## Diagnostic Tests
Colonoscopy
' CT abd with contrast
• CBC
' Abd xray free air under diaphragm with perforation
## Treatment
• Management
• Stage I-Gl rest, oral fluids clear to start, analgesics
• 7-10 days antibiotics
• Stage II-IV-abscess or peritonitis-hospitalized
• Surgical Intervention
• Acute peritonitis with complications-Immediate Surgery
• Hartmann procedure-primary resection of diverticulitis with
colostomy created
• Complication related to amount of colon removed
• Post-operative management
IVF 2L per day
Needs fiber- if soft food, try cooked vegetables and cooked
oatmeal- to facilitate peristalsis
Bulk-forming agents, psyllium
• If have trigger foods, avoid them
Colostomy education for home support
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