Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2004; 17(3): 195-204
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-832702
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Colonic Diverticulosis and Diverticular Hemorrhage

Justin A. Maykel1 , Frank G. Opelka1
  • 1Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 August 2004 (online)

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Colonic diverticulosis predisposes individuals to lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in up to 5% of cases. These sac-like protrusions are pseudodiverticula and arise due to a combination of anatomic, dietary, motility, and structural influences. In the setting of acute hemorrhage, patient stabilization takes priority, followed closely by maneuvers aimed at localizing and controlling blood loss. Through the use of an arsenal of tools including colonoscopy, angiography, and nuclear scintigraphy, most diverticular bleeds can be localized and subsequently controlled. When persistent and not controlled by colonoscopic or angiographic means, expeditious surgical resection serves as definitive therapy.

REFERENCES

Frank G OpelkaM.D. 

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

330 Brookline Ave., Stoneman Bldg., #932, Boston

MA 02215-5491

Email: fopelka@caregroup.harvard.edu