Overview
Diverticulitis at a Glance
Diverticulitis is inflammation in a colonic diverticulum, usually in the sigmoid colon.
REx-PN
REx-PN
Diverticulitis is inflammation in a colonic diverticulum, usually in the sigmoid colon. Diverticula form when colonic mucosa and submucosa herniate through weak points in the muscular wall. If a pouch becomes obstructed, retained contents promote bacterial stasis and focal ischemia; the process may remain contained or progress to micro-perforation, abscess, fistula, or peritonitis. That distinction drives triage. Uncomplicated disease has localized inflammation without perforation or abscess. Complicated disease includes perforation, an abscess of any size, fistula, or peritonitis. The same presenting complaint—abdominal pain with fever—can therefore lead to outpatient symptom control or urgent hospital and surgical management.
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