Acute diverticulitis
| Headline | |
|---|---|
| Etiology | Dysregulation of microbiome? |
| Epidemiology | Risk factors for Diverticular disease: low dietary fibre, smoking, alcohol excess |
| Clinical presentation | rectal bleeding/blood in stool, LLQ abdo pain, fever |
| Pathogenesis | |
| Diagnostic investigations | CT if suspicion of collection/perforation |
| Management | Uncomplicated and well: analgesia, antispasmodic, consider PO abx if risk factors present: >> systemic inflammation, is immunosuppressed, or has significant comorbidities >> CKS recommends co-amox, or cefalexin with metronidazole if allergic Complicated: IV abx, IV fluids etc. Avoid NSAIDs |
consider hospital treatment if:
- Is dehydrated or at risk of dehydration and is unable to take or tolerate oral fluids at home.
- Is unable to take or tolerate oral antibiotics (if needed) at home.
- Is aged over 65 years.
- Has significant comorbidity or immunosuppression.