ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on uncomplicated diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon including the clinical presentation, imaging, management, expected outcomes and follow-up. The clinical presentation of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis depends primarily on the degree and localisation of the inflammatory process in conjunction with the patient’s pre-existing co-morbidities. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral, intravenous and if possible rectal contrast is the standard imaging technique for diagnosing acute diverticulitis. Traditionally, the initial management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis includes admission to hospital, oral or intravenous antibiotics, dietary modification and appropriate analgesia. In general, antibiotics have been viewed as essential for the management of all cases of acute diverticulitis. There is very little evidence to support any risk reduction strategy following an attack of acute diverticulitis and the evidence that is available is of low to very low quality. There has been a significant move towards more conservative management of uncomplicated diverticulitis both medically and surgically.
