Treatment
Acute diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics.
The involved portion of the colon may need to be removed with surgery if you have:
- Abscess
- Hole (perforation) in the colon
- Fistula (abnormal connections between different parts of the colon or the colon and another body area)
- Repeated attacks of diverticulitis
After the acute infection has improved, eating high-fiber foods and using bulk additives such as psyllium may help reduce the risk of diverticulitis or other symptoms.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Usually, this is a mild condition that responds well to treatment.
Complications
- Abscess formation
- Narrowing (stricture) in the colon or fistula formation
- Perforation of the colon leading to peritonitis
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur.
Also call if you have diverticulitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
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Diverticulitis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Diverticulitis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Diverticulitis : Treatment
Review Date : 1/28/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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