Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of diverticulosis?
What is the primary characteristic of diverticulosis?
- Inflammation of diverticula
- Presence of diverticula (correct)
- Narrowing of the colonic lumen
- Formation of abscesses
What complication is most commonly associated with diverticulitis?
What complication is most commonly associated with diverticulitis?
- Colonic muscular hypertrophy
- Herniation of the mucosa
- Intestinal obstruction (correct)
- Low-fibre diet
Which of the following is not a common symptom of diverticulitis?
Which of the following is not a common symptom of diverticulitis?
- Left iliac fossa pain
- Nausea
- Chronic diarrhea (correct)
- Fever
In which population is diverticular disease most prevalent?
In which population is diverticular disease most prevalent?
What is the typical treatment approach for acute diverticulitis?
What is the typical treatment approach for acute diverticulitis?
Flashcards
Diverticula
Diverticula
Pouches of mucosa that bulge through weak spots in the colon's muscle layer near blood vessels.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis
The presence of diverticula in the colon.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of diverticula, often caused by blockage of the area where the pouch connects to the colon.
Diverticulitis symptom
Diverticulitis symptom
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Diverticulitis Treatment
Diverticulitis Treatment
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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.
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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.
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