Diverticulitis is a condition in which bulging, small pouches form in the digestive tract and become inflamed. These pouches are called diverticula and can appear throughout the digestive system including the stomach, esophagus and small intestine, but they most commonly appear in the large intestine. Many patients experience no symptoms or complications, but when complications occur, they are often severe and can greatly impact the patient's life.
Peritonitis
Peritonitis is a condition in which the contents of the intestine spill into the patient's abdominal cavity. This happens when an inflamed or infected diverticula ruptures. Once the contents are in the abdominal cavity, inflammation occurs. According to the Mayo Clinic, this complication of diverticulitis is a medical emergency that requires urgent medical attention.
Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding can occur in diverticulitis patients, which is often from an infection or tear of diverticula. Some patients may experience minimal bleeding and only notice blood on toilet tissue. Others may experience heavier bleeding and notice blood in the stool or toilet.
Abscess
The diverticula can tear, resulting in an abscess, which is a small, swollen sac of poisons such as pus. If left untreated, an abscess may rupture or tear, allowing stool to seep into the abdominal cavity. When this occurs, infections may result.
Intestinal Obstruction
An intestinal, or bowel, obstruction also can occur. If the bowel becomes obstructed, it can no longer pass stool and waste out of the body, causing serious infection. For a complete blockage, surgery is required immediately to remove the blockage. Partial blockage surgery is an option, but it may not be required.
Fistula
A fistula is a complication of diverticulitis that occurs when two pieces of infected tissue located on two different organs grow together, causing an abnormal passageway. Fistulas most often form between the intestine and the patient's vagina, bladder or abdominal wall.
Cancer
Diverticulitis is not known to cause cancer, but it can make certain cancers such as rectal cancer or colon cancer more difficult to diagnose. According to the Mayo Clinic, diverticulitis can be diagnosed when the patient actually has colon cancer, leaving him to live with an undiagnosed cancer. Patients who have had diverticulitis should have a yearly colonoscopy to help prevent a misdiagnosis.
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