What pathophysiological change occurs in diverticulitis?
The development of diverticula in the colon typically occurs in parallel rows between the taenia coli. The pathogenesis of the disorder involves three major areas: (1) structural abnormalities of the colonic wall, (2) disordered intestinal motility, and (3) deficiencies of dietary fiber.
What is the main cause of diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is an infected pouch in the colon. Symptoms of diverticulitis include pain, constipation, and blood in the stool. One of the main causes of diverticular disease is thought to be a lack of dietary fiber. Most people can self-treat the condition.
How is diverticulitis formed?
Diverticula usually develop when naturally weak places in your colon give way under pressure. This causes marble-sized pouches to protrude through the colon wall. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula tear, resulting in inflammation, and in some cases, infection.
What are the complications of diverticulitis?
Complications of diverticulitis
- Perforation. Perforation of diverticulitis occurs secondary to severe inflammation of bowel wall layers with subsequent necrosis and loss of intestinal wall integrity.
- Abscess. Diverticulitis may result in phlegmon and abscess formation.
- Pylephlebitis.
- Bowel obstruction.
- Bleeding.
- Fistula.
Why does sigmoid colon cause diverticulosis?
Not eating enough fiber causes a buildup of waste (constipation) in your colon. Constipation puts extra strain on the walls of the colon. This increased pressure causes the little pockets — the diverticula — to form in weak areas in your colon.
Can diverticulitis cause urinary problems?
A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation may also be seen. Patients may also have urinary symptoms such as increased need to urinate and urinary urgency. Patients with complications of their diverticulitis may have more chronic or long-term, symptoms.
What is the difference between diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
When there are no symptoms, it is called diverticulosis. When diverticula cause symptoms, such as pain in the lower tummy, it’s called diverticular disease. If the diverticula become inflamed or infected, causing more severe symptoms, it’s called diverticulitis.
Does diverticulosis cause bleeding?
Diverticular bleeding occurs when pouches (diverticula) that have developed in the wall of the large intestine (colon) bleed. If you have these pouches, you have a condition called diverticulosis. Diverticular bleeding causes a large amount of blood to appear in your stool.
What is the most common complication of diverticulitis?
The most common complication of diverticulitis is an abscess outside the large intestine (colon). An abscess is a pus-filled cavity or lump in the tissue. Abscesses are usually treated with a technique known as percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD).