Diverticulitis of the Colon

Abstract

Many of the serious complications of diverticulitis can be prevented by careful dietary and medical management instituted early in the disease. At least 80 per cent of cases of early diverticulitis can be successfully managed in this way. If surgical intervention is indicated, it is preferable to operate at a time when a one stage resection is feasible. Surgical treatment entails little risk unless it is delayed until serious complications have developed. There are certain radiologic features that are helpful in differentiation of cancer and diverticulitis, but often the distinction can be made only by pathologic examination of the lesion.