UNIVERSIDAD TECNOLOGICA DE SANTIAGO

UTESA

ELOIZA FLETE LOPEZ

1-15-2392

INGLES TECNICO MEDICO-ELE

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

RAFAEL ALBERTO MARMOLEJOS

24/11/2020
 INTRODUCTION
Diverticula is the medical term that is used to describe the small
pouches that stick out of the side of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula
are very common and associated with ageing. It is estimated that 50% of
people have diverticula by the time they are 50 years old, and 70% of people
have them by the time they are 80 years old.

The majority of people with diverticula will not have any symptoms.
However, 1 in 4 people with diverticula experience symptoms such as
abdominal pain and diarrhoea. People who experience symptoms are said to
have diverticular disease.

The diverticula can also become infected and inflamed. Inflammation

of the diverticula is known as diverticulitis. Diverticulitis causes more severe
symptoms than diverticular disease, such as severe pain. It carries a risk of
causing serious complications, such as the colon rupturing (splitting), which
can lead to an infection of the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis).
 Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is the general name for a common condition that causes
small bulges (diverticula) or sacs to form in the wall of the large intestine
(colon). Although these sacs can form anywhere in the colon, they are most
common in the sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine closest to the
rectum).
 Diverticulosis: The presence of diverticula without associated
complications or problems. The condition can lead to more serious
issues including diverticulitis, perforation (the formation of holes),
stricture (a narrowing of the colon that does not easily let stool pass),
fistulas, and bleeding.

 Diverticulitis: An inflammatory condition of the colon thought to be

caused by perforation of one of the sacs. Several secondary
complications can result from a diverticulitis attack. When this occurs, it
is called complicated diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis Complications

 Abscess formation and perforation of the colon with peritonitis. An

abscess is a pocket of pus walled off by the body. Peritonitis is a
potentially life-threatening infection that spreads freely within the
abdomen, causing patients to become quite ill.
 Rectal bleeding
 Formation of a narrowing of the colon that prevents easy passage of
stool (called a stricture)
 Formation of a tract or tunnel to another organ or the skin (called a
fistula). When a fistula forms, it most commonly connects the colon to
 the bladder. It may also connect the colon to the skin, uterus, vagina, or
another part of the bowel.

CAUSES

The most commonly accepted theory ties diverticulosis to high pressure

within the colon. This pressure causes weak areas of the colon wall to bulge
out and form sacs. A diet low in fiber and high in red meat may also play a
role. Currently, it is not well understood how these sacs become inflamed
and cause diverticulitis.

SYMPTOMS

Most patients with diverticulosis have no symptoms or complications. Some

patients with diverticulitis experience lower abdominal pain and a fever or
they may have rectal bleeding.

DIAGNOSIS

Diverticulosis often causes no symptoms. It may be diagnosed during

screening tests such as a colonoscopy. A CT scan of the abdomen and
pelvis may be used to confirm the diagnosis of diverticulitis.

TREATMENT

Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms. However, as a

preventative measure, it is advised to eat a diet high in fiber, fruits, and
vegetables, and to limit red meat.
Most cases of diverticulitis can be treated with antibiotics in pill form or
intravenously (IV). Diverticulitis with an abscess may be treated with
antibiotics with a drain placed under X-ray guidance.

Surgery for diverticular disease is indicated for the following:

 A rupture in the colon that causes pus or stool to leak into the abdominal
cavity, resulting in peritonitis, which often requires emergency surgery.
 An abscess than cannot be effectively drained.
 Severe cases that do not respond to maximum medical therapy including
IV antibiotics and hospitalization.
 Patients with immune system problems (e.g. related to an organ
transplant or chemotherapy).
 A colonic stricture or fistula.
 A history of multiple attacks may result in a patient deciding to undergo
surgery to prevent future attacks.

Surgery for diverticular disease usually involves removal of the affected part
of the colon. It may or may not involve a colostomy or ileostomy (intestine
brought out through the abdominal wall to drain into a bag). A decision
regarding the type of operation is made on a case-by-case basis.

WHAT IS A COLON AND RECTAL SURGEON?

Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical
treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. They have completed
advanced surgical training in the treatment of these diseases, as well as full
general surgical training. Board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete
residencies in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery, and pass
intensive examinations conducted by the American Board of Surgery and the
American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. They are well versed in the
treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum and
anus and are able to perform routine screening examinations and surgically
treat conditions, if indicated to do so.

DISCLAIMER

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is dedicated to

ensuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention and
management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus.
These brochures are inclusive but not prescriptive. Their purpose is to
provide information on diseases and processes, rather than dictate a specific
form of treatment. They are intended for the use of all practitioners, health
care workers and patients who desire information about the management of
the conditions addressed. It should be recognized that these brochures
should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of
methods of care reasonably directed to obtain the same results. The ultimate
judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by
the physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual
patient.
 CONCLUSION

Diverticular disease is one of the most common digestive conditions.

Like the diverticula, diverticular disease is associated with age. About 75%
of people with diverticular disease will have one or more episodes of
diverticulitis.

It is estimated that 30% of people who are 60 years old or more are
affected by diverticular disease. This figure rises to 65% for people who are
80 years of age or more.

Both sexes are equally affected by diverticular disease and

diverticulitis, although the condition is more likely to appear at a younger age
(under 50) in men than in women.

Diverticular disease is often described as a 'western disease' because

the rates are very high in western European and North American countries,
and very low in African and Asian countries. Diet is thought to be the primary
reason for this and, in particular, the fact that many people in western
countries only eat a small amount of fibre. A low-fibre diet is known to be a
significant risk factor for the condition.
Annexes
 Bibliography

Kosmadakis G, Albaret J, da Costa Correia E, Somda F, Aguilera D. 1. Gastrointestinal

Disorders in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients. Am J Nephrol. 2018;48(5):319-325.

Cuomo R, Cargiolli M, Cassarano S, Carabotti M, Annibale B. Treatment of diverticular

disease, targeting symptoms or underlying mechanisms. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2018
Dec;43:124-131.

Farooqi N, Tuma F. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): Aug
16, 2020. Intestinal Fistula.