Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation of a diverticulum, usually of the large colon.

It usually presents as abdominal pain associated with diarrhea. Sometimes, there is a history of bloody diarrhea.

Diverticulitis should be suspected in more elderly patients with a history of constipation.

The diagnosis is confirmed with radiologic imaging or colonoscopy.

Treatment will range from conservative management with medications to surgical resection of the affected bowel, depending on the severity of the disease.