Diverticula
Diagnosis
Clinical picture
Pressure pain in the lower left abdomen is the most common symptom of diverticulitis, often accompanied by fever and a rise in white blood cell count. An examination commonly reveals guarding - a tenderness to touch when the abdominal muscles contract, similar to appendicitis. In addition stool irregularities and problems urinating may present.
Computer Tomography (CT)
The CT is the best method to determine acute diverticulitis and complications. An endoscopy should not be performed at an acute stage as this could cause more damage to the bowel.
X-ray
Using a contrast agent and a subsequent x-ray, stenosis, fistula and the localization of the diverticula can be determined.
Endoscopy (Colonoscopy)
An endoscopy should only be performed in-between episodes of inflammation or infection, as the risk of bowel damage is too high otherwise. In addition to the diagnosis of diverticula and their localization an endoscopy can also rule out other bowel disorders.
Pressure pain in the lower left abdomen is the most common symptom of diverticulitis, often accompanied by fever and a rise in white blood cell count. An examination commonly reveals guarding - a tenderness to touch when the abdominal muscles contract, similar to appendicitis. In addition stool irregularities and problems urinating may present.
Computer Tomography (CT)
The CT is the best method to determine acute diverticulitis and complications. An endoscopy should not be performed at an acute stage as this could cause more damage to the bowel.
X-ray
Using a contrast agent and a subsequent x-ray, stenosis, fistula and the localization of the diverticula can be determined.
Endoscopy (Colonoscopy)
An endoscopy should only be performed in-between episodes of inflammation or infection, as the risk of bowel damage is too high otherwise. In addition to the diagnosis of diverticula and their localization an endoscopy can also rule out other bowel disorders.
