Diverticular Disease

Course overview

Diverticulosis is a common condition in Western countries and carries the risk of serious complications. Inflammation and infection of the colon are characteristic of the complication of diverticulitis. Typically, ultrasound and computed tomography imaging is used in cases of of diverticulitis to help clinicians identify edematous thickening of the bowel wall and inflammatory changes. While uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated through medical management, surgical intervention may be needed in complicated diverticulitis and without surgical intervention the prognosis may be grave. Diverticular disease and its complications including the life-threatening event of a bowel perforation are discussed. No Test Required!