Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of diverticulosis?
What is the primary characteristic of diverticulosis?
What complication is most commonly associated with diverticulitis?
What complication is most commonly associated with diverticulitis?
Which of the following is not a common symptom of diverticulitis?
Which of the following is not a common symptom of diverticulitis?
In which population is diverticular disease most prevalent?
In which population is diverticular disease most prevalent?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical treatment approach for acute diverticulitis?
What is the typical treatment approach for acute diverticulitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Diverticular Disease Overview
-
Definition:
- Diverticula: Pouches of mucosa protruding through weakened areas of the colon's muscular wall, near blood vessels.
- Diverticulosis: Presence of diverticula.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of diverticula, often caused by fecal obstruction at the diverticulum neck.
-
Prevalence: Affects 50% of the population over 50 years of age.
Aetiology
- Exact cause unknown.
- Associated with low-fiber diets in Western populations:
- Insufficient dietary fiber → Increased intracolonic pressure.
- Herniation of mucosa at sites of weakness.
Clinical Features
- Asymptomatic in 95% of cases: Often discovered incidentally during barium enema or colonoscopy.
-
Symptomatic cases:
- Luminal narrowing: Pain, constipation.
- Bleeding: May be massive.
- Diverticulitis:
- Symptoms: Left iliac fossa pain, fever, nausea.
- Complications:
- Perforation: Abscess or peritonitis.
- Fistula formation: Into bladder or vagina.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Diagnosis: CT scan or ultrasound for acute diverticulitis.
Management
- Acute diverticulitis: Treated with antibiotics (e.g., cephalosporin and metronidazole).
-
Surgery: Rarely required, reserved for:
- Complications (e.g., perforation, fistula, obstruction).
- Frequent episodes of diverticulitis.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz delves into diverticular disease, exploring its definitions, prevalence, aetiology, and clinical features. Understand the differences between diverticulosis and diverticulitis, along with their associated symptoms and complications. Perfect for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of gastrointestinal health conditions.
