Diverticulitis (Diverticular Disease)

Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis often have mild symptoms that can be managed with a course of oral antibiotics at home. In some instances, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be required. These episodes can recur, however, patients who have a mild form very rarely develop a more serious disease later on, and surgery usually is not required.

Complicated diverticulitis means the inflammation and infection has progressed to form an abscess or free perforation. Patients with complicated diverticulitis usually require hospital admission and intravenous antibiotics. If a larger abscess is present, it may require drainage with a small drain placed by interventional radiology. In rare circumstances when a patient is very ill or is not responding to antibiotics, urgent surgery is required and a portion of the colon may be removed.