[Diverticular disease : Complications and differential diagnosis]

Diverticular disease is becoming increasingly more common in the western world. It is clinically subdivided into uncomplicated diverticular disease and diverticular disease with a complicated course. In approximately 20% of cases the diverticula will become symptomatic during the lifetime of patients.

In contrast to previous medical opinions, the occurrence of diverticula cannot be prevented by a diet rich in fiber; however, the development into complicated diverticulitis can be reduced by dietary measures. Complications include perforations, abscess and fistula formation or mechanical ileus. In addition, hemorrhage can occur as a complication, which can, however, occur in diverticulosis and also diverticulitis and especially in the chronic form. For the differential diagnostics a broad spectrum of inflammatory and noninflammatory diseases of the abdomen and pelvis must be taken into consideration.

According to the new S2K guidelines the subdivision of diverticulitis should be implemented using the so-called classification of diverticular diseases (CDD). This enables a stratification of patients for outpatient or inhospital treatment.