Diverticular Disease: Treatment

Nutrition is the primary consideration for prevention and treatment. The risk of developing diverticula may be reduced by increasing fiber intake, either through high–fiber foods or psyllium–based fiber supplements, along with other diet changes (see Nutritional Considerations).

Uncomplicated diverticulitis is treated with bowel rest (no oral intake of food, drink, or medications) and intravenous antibiotics.

Patients with acute diverticulitis have a 40% risk of recurrence and 80% risk of recurrence following the second episode. Thus, recurrent cases of diverticulitis often require resection of the involved colon.

Diverticulitis complicated by fistula formation, colonic perforation, or bowel obstruction is treated emergently with resection of the involved portion of the colon and colostomy formation.

Diverticular bleeding, if severe or recurrent, may require immediate fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion, along with resection of the involved area of colon.