Managing the complications of diverticular disease

This article provides an update on diverticular disease and its complications, focusing on the physical and psychological considerations in the nursing management of the disease. To illuminate the topic a case study is presented describing a patient who underwent Hartmann's procedure with temporary end colostomy. The patient subsequently developed three abscesses and a complex fistula around the stoma. Nursing care and the optimum interventions to preserve skin integrity during such complications are discussed. The article concludes with a summary of key facts regarding diverticular disease, abscess and fistula.