Diverticula
Complications
The following complications can occur with diverticulitis:
Perforation
In an open perforation stool passes into the abdomen causing peritonitis. A life-threatening situation may occur due to an inflammation and infection of the abdominal wall. A more common complication is stool passing into the abdomen and being surrounded by membrane. This is known as a localized sealed perforation.
Fistula
An abnormal connection between the bowel and other bowel segments or another organ, i.e. bladder or vagina.
Stenosis
Recurring inflammation and infection can lead to scarring of the tissue and a narrowing of the affected bowel segment.
Danger: Bowel obstruction
Bleeding
The inflammation and infection can damage the walls of the blood vessels allowing blood to pass into the bowel, a condition prevalent in about 10-20% of patients suffering from diverticula.
Abscess
An abscess is a walled-off pocket of infection due to a localized, sealed perforation (see above).
Perforation
In an open perforation stool passes into the abdomen causing peritonitis. A life-threatening situation may occur due to an inflammation and infection of the abdominal wall. A more common complication is stool passing into the abdomen and being surrounded by membrane. This is known as a localized sealed perforation.
Fistula
An abnormal connection between the bowel and other bowel segments or another organ, i.e. bladder or vagina.
Stenosis
Recurring inflammation and infection can lead to scarring of the tissue and a narrowing of the affected bowel segment.
Danger: Bowel obstruction
Bleeding
The inflammation and infection can damage the walls of the blood vessels allowing blood to pass into the bowel, a condition prevalent in about 10-20% of patients suffering from diverticula.
Abscess
An abscess is a walled-off pocket of infection due to a localized, sealed perforation (see above).
