diverticulitis

The diverticulitis - Inflammation of diverticula (abnormal pouches) in the wall of the intestine, particularly in the colon. Diverticulitis is a form of diverticular disease and a complication of diverticulosis.

SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS
The symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and rigidity of the abdomen. Intestinal haemorrhage may cause bleeding from the rectum.

Diverticula may perforate, or abscesses may form in the tissue around the colon, leading to peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen). Other complications include intestinal bleeding, narrowing in the intestine, or a fistula (an abnormal channel between one part of the intestine and another).

TREATMENT
Diverticulitis usually subsides with bed rest and antibiotics. In severe cases, a liquid diet or intravenous infusion may be required. Surgery may be needed, in which the diseased section of the intestine is removed and the remaining sections are then joined back together.

Some patients are given a temporary colostomy (an operation in which part of the colon is attached to the abdominal wall to form an opening for the discharge of faeces).