Diverticulitis occurs when faeces obstruct the neck of the diver- ticulum, causing stagnation and allowing bacteria to multiply and produce inflammation. This can then lead to bowel perforation (peridiverticulitis), abscess formation, fistulae into adjacent organs, haemorrhage and even generalized peritonitis.

Acute diverticulitis most commonly affects the sigmoid colon

PC

• Pain and tenderness in the left iliac fossa / lower left abdomen
• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rectal bleeding

Examination:

• Palpable abdominal mass (if an abscess has formed)
• LIF tenderness
• Pain on PR
• May have guarding, rebound tenderness

Investigation

Labs:

• Raised inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP) and white blood cells

Imaging: