Diverticulitis is a common digestive disease particularly found in the large intestine. Diverticulitis develops from
diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches (diverticula) on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis is inflamation of diverticula.
An initial episode of acute diverticulitis is usually treated with bowel rest (i.e., nothing by mouth), IV fluid
resuscitation, and broad-spectrum antibiotics which cover anaerobic bacteria and gram-negative. However, recurring acute attacks or complications, such as
peritonitis,
abscess, or fistula may require surgery, either immediately or on an elective basis.
Patients suffering their first attack of diverticulitis are typically not encouraged to undergo the surgery, unless the case is severe. Patients suffering repeated episodes may benefit from the surgery. In such cases the risks of complications from the diverticulitis outweigh the risks of complications from surgery.
Most cases of simple, uncomplicated diverticulitis respond to conservative therapy with bowel rest and antibiotics.