Diverticulitis

Although diverticular disease is common in the Western world, few patients who develop diverticulitis require surgery. The use of appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis can be an effective treatment, avoiding the need for acute surgical intervention. In the event of surgery the choice of procedure is dictated by the degree of contamination and the expertise of the operating surgeon. This chapter will outline the modern management of diverticulitis, from steps in diagnosis to different surgical options in each clinical scenario, thus aiding clinicians on a practical level.