DIVERTICULITIS – TREATMENT

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When infection is present in the pocket, antibiotics are usually necessary. Severe recurrent attacks which are not prevented by diet and medical means may lead to operation. If only a short segment of the bowel is involved, it can be removed and the cut ends rejoined.

Haemorrhage or bleeding may occur from an inflamed diverticulum and may be severe. Thickening of the inflamed area may lead to obstruction or an abscess may form alongside the bowel, due to perforation through the inflamed wall of the colon.

If the infection is not confined, peritonitis or inflammation of the lining of the abdomen may result.

Cancer of the bowel and diverticulosis are not related except, perhaps, in having a similar cause but they may co-exist and be mistaken for each other.

In most cases, if operation is considered, the resection and rejoining procedure is all that is necessary.

However, if penetration through the bowel wall or an intestinal obstruction has occurred, it may be necessary to carry out a temporary colostomy, where the bowel is opened out on to the skin of the abdominal wall and the discharging contents usually collected in a bag.

Later, when the bowel has healed, it is possible to close the colostomy and rejoin the bowel so that it functions normally. A permanent colostomy may be necessary in cancer of the rectum if it involves the anal area.

Now that we are aware of the cause, it should be possible, by changing our dietary habits, to reduce the incidence of diverticular disease and those other conditions of the bowel caused by our civilised, low residue diet. Good nutrition is the basis of good health.