Acute Diverticulitis Management

Diverticular disease accounts for approximately 300,000 hospitalizations per year in the United States, resulting in 1.5 million days of inpatient care. Diverticulitis is defined as an inflammation of the diverticulum, which can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. This disease is the third most common gastrointestinal illness that requires hospitalization and the leading indication for elective colon resection. Abdominal pain is the most common complaint in patients with acute diverticulitis. The pain can be described as cramping, constant, and persistent for several days. Medical management is most often provided with antibiotics and clear liquid diet.