Diverticular disease
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Published version
Embargoed until: 5555-01-01
Embargoed until: 5555-01-01
Journal
BMJ Best Practice
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◊ Usually asymptomatic; may have constipation or non-specific abdominal symptoms. ◊ Symptomatic acute diverticulitis presents with fever, leukocytosis, and left lower quadrant pain. Contrast enema and colonoscopy are common diagnostic tests for diverticular disease. CT scan is the imaging modality of choice for acute diverticulitis. ◊ ◊ Treatment includes bowel rest, antibiotics, and surgical intervention. ◊ Complications include bleeding, segmental colitis, perforation, abscess, fistulas, and obstruction. ◊ Acute bleeding managed by IV fluids or blood transfusion, and radiologically directed haemostasis (embolisation). http://bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice/monograph-pdf/16.pdf