Diverticular Disease

Abstract

Hospital admissions for complicated and uncomplicated diverticular disease have increased during recent years, and the disease is more common in western and industrialized nations. Usually a combination of the classical risk factors (lack of fiber, fat, red meat, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, NSAIDs, steroids, opiates) can be identified in affected patients. The pathogenesis for the development of this condition is not completely clear. Most patients can be treated without surgical intervention and require oral or intravenous administration of antibiotics. Urgent or emergency surgery is indicated in patients who suffer from acute complicated diverticulitis not responding to nonsurgical treatment or fecal peritonitis due to free perforation. Elective surgery should be considered for patients after successful management of complicated diverticulitis.