Diverticulitis

Abstract

Diverticular disease of the colon is a common disease in the elderly. A lack of dietary fiber and decreased colonic motility are cardinal features contributing to the development of diverticular disease. Most cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis can be successfully treated with bowel rest and oral antibiotics. Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage is advocated as a bridge to definitive sigmoid colectomy in select patients. Formal sigmoid colectomy and end colostomy remain the gold standard for severe, complicated diverticular disease.