CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF DIVERTICULITIS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

ABSTRACT

Diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal condition in which diverticula (small sacs or pouches) in the colon become inamed or infected. This article is a review of the current understanding of diverticulitis and covers its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Epidemiological studies have shown that diverticulitis mainly affects older adults and the incidence increases with age. The Western diet, which is high in fat and low in ber, has been implicated in the development of diverticulitis. The most common presenting symptom is abdominal pain, often localized to the left lower quadrant, and other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. The diagnosis of diverticulitis is based on a combination of clinical, radiologic, and laboratory ndings. The preferred imaging modality is computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast. Mild cases can often be managed with conservative measures, such as bowel rest, antibiotics, and pain management. More severe cases may require hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Surgery may be required in cases of complicated diverticulitis, such as perforation, abscess formation, or stula formation, and in patients with recurrent diverticulitis. In conclusion, further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology of diverticulitis and its risk factors, especially in developing countries where the incidence of diverticulitis is believed to be lower.