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Colonic: Diverticulitis

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Clinical Decision Making in Colorectal Surgery

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Abstract

Diverticulosis is a condition characterized by colonic diverticula, which are saccular out-pouchings of the colon wall. Diverticulosis exists as an asymptomatic condition, which has an increased prevalence in industrialized nations. Its development is likely multifactorial with dietary factors playing a major role. In the United States its incidence is estimated upwards of 70% in older patients. Patients with diverticulosis are at risk for develo** diverticulitis. Diverticulitis represents the presence of inflammation or infection within a segment of colon containing diverticula. It is estimated that up to a quarter of patients with diverticulosis will go on to develop diverticulitis in their lifetime, and it appears that the incidence of diverticulitis in the US may be rising. Diverticulitis typically affects middle aged and elderly patients, but can occur at any age. Currently cross sectional imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) remains the gold standard for diagnosis. The treatment of diverticulitis is dependent on its severity on presentation and therapeutic approaches range from outpatient management with oral antibiotics to operative interventions for more severe or refractory cases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center/Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Matthew T. Brady & Jason F. Hall

  2. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Jason F. Hall

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  1. Matthew T. Brady
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Correspondence to Jason F. Hall .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Scott R. Steele

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA

    Justin A. Maykel

  3. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA

    Steven D. Wexner

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Brady, M.T., Hall, J.F. (2020). Colonic: Diverticulitis. In: Steele, S., Maykel, J., Wexner, S. (eds) Clinical Decision Making in Colorectal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65942-8_45

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