digestive disorders
Diverticulitis
Diagnosis of Diverticulitis
Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis Colonoscopy after episode has ended If a doctor knows that the person already has Diverticulosis of the Large Intestine , a diverticulitis diagnosis may be based almost entirely on the symptoms. However, many other conditions involving the large intestine and other organs in the abdomen and pelvis can cause symptoms similar to diverticulitis, including A Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis may be helpful in determining that the problem is diverticulitis and not appendicitis or another diagnosis. Once inflammation has subsided or the infection has been treated, a doctor may do a Endoscopy (an examination of the large intestine using a flexible viewing tube) to rule out colon cancer. The colonoscopy may be done if people have complications (such as a perforation or abscess) or if they have risk factors for cancer (such as narrowed stool, bleeding, anemia, weight loss, or a family history of colon cancer). Colonoscopy usually needs to be delayed for 1 to 3 months after treatment because it can damage or rupture an inflamed intestine. Exploratory surgery is rarely needed to confirm the diagnosis. 