1. 90 % in descending colon, mostly asymptomatic and is related to lack of fibre in the diet.
2.
- Typical clinical features: middle aged or elderly - over 40 years.
- Increases with age
- Present in one in three people over 60 years
- Diverticulitis - infected diverticula and symptomatic
- Constipation or alternating constipation/diarrhoea
- Intermittent cramping lower abdominal pain in LIF
- Tenderness in LIF
- Rectal bleeding -- may be profuse
- May presente as acute abdomen or subacute obstruction
- Usually settles in 2-3 days
3. Complications include
- Abscess
- Perforation
- Peritonitis
- Obstruction
- Fistula - bladder, vagina
4. Management
- It usually responds to a high fibre diet: plenty of fluids, cereals, wholemeal, multigrain bread, fresh or stewed fruits and vegetables
- Avoidance of constipation
References:
- John Murtagh's general practice 8th edition
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