A patients CT scan reveals diverticulitis confined to the sigmoid colon. There is no associated pericolic abscess. What is best course of treatment?
Bowel rest, nasogastric suction, IV fluids, and broad-spectrum antibiotics
Urgent surgical resection
Steroids
Diverting colostomy
Uncomplicated diverticulitis is treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and bowel rest. Surgery is not indicated - either resection or diversion of the fecal stream by colotomy or ilestomy. Anti-inflammatory agents are not indicated in the therapy of diverticulitis. The risk of a second episode is less than 30%. After a second episode, the risk is greater than 50% and resection may be advised at this stage.
Small & Large Intestine