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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2021; 34(02): 121-126
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716704
Review Article

Special Situations in the Management of Diverticular Disease

Elizabeth H. Wood
1   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
,
Michael M. Sigman
1   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
,
Dana M. Hayden
1   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
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Abstract

Diverticular disease affects a large percentage of the US population, affecting over 30% among those older than 45 years old. It is responsible for ∼300,000 hospitalizations per year in the United States and can lead to serious complications such as hemorrhage, obstruction, abscess, fistulae, or bowel perforation.[2] It is an extremely common reason for emergency room and outpatient visits and evaluations by general and colorectal surgeons. In the US, patients usually present with sigmoid diverticulitis in the setting of a normal immune system so surgeons will follow well-established practice guidelines for treatment. However, there may be special circumstances in which the management of diverticulitis is not as straightforward. In this article, we will address patients who present with multifocal disease, giant colonic diverticulum, right-sided diverticulitis, and diverticulitis in the setting of immunosuppression and hopefully provide guidance for treatment in these special circumstances.

Keywords

diverticulitis - giant diverticulum - right-sided diverticulitis - immunosuppression - multifocal disease


Publication History

Article published online:
24 February 2021

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