Outlook

Most people recover fully after treatment. If not treated promptly, however, diverticulitis can lead to the following more serious conditions:

• Perforation: A hole in the intestine caused when the diverticular pouch bursts because of the increased pressure and infection within the intestine.
  
  
• Peritonitis: A more serious infection in the abdominal cavity that often occurs after perforation, when the contents of the intestine leak out into the abdominal cavity outside of the intestine (peritoneum).
  
  
• Abscess: A pocket of infection that is very difficult to cure with antibiotics.
  
  
• Fistula: An abnormal connection between the colon and another organ that occurs when the colon damaged by infection comes in contact with other tissue, such as the bladder, the small intestine, or the inside of the abdominal wall, and sticks to it. Fecal material from the colon can then get into the other tissue. This often causes a severe infection. If fecal material gets into the bladder, for example, the resulting urinary tract infection can become recurrent and very difficult to cure.
  
  
• Blockage or obstruction of the intestine
  
  
• Bleeding in the intestine

Individuals younger than 40 years of age who have depressed immune systems from medications or other illnesses have a greater chance of having complications and having to undergo surgery.

Approximately one-half of people who have diverticulitis will have a relapse within seven years after the condition is treated and and in remission.

Of people who are admitted to the hospital for diverticulitis, 15% to 25% develop complications that require surgery.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of diverticulitis (diverticulosis) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 4 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review