Diverticulitis, pelvic and other intra-abdominal abscesses. Issue 8 (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tham, Ji Chung; Smolarek, Sebastian K; Coleman, Mark G
• Is Part Of: Surgery. Volume 35:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 456
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: CT imaging -- diverticular disease -- diverticulitis -- Hartmann's procedure -- Hinchey -- intra-abdominal abscess -- laparoscopic surgery -- lavage -- pelvic abscess -- radiological drainage; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpsur.2017.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-9319

Abstract

Abstract: Diverticular disease is a common condition in the Western world and it carries significant morbidity and healthcare cost. Patients with diverticular disease may present acutely or to out-patients, and the management should be stratified using clinical judgement and appropriate investigation including radiology. Intra-abdominal abscess is a common complication of diverticular disease, but it can also be due to any intra-abdominal organ disease. Conservative management is safe but in the "unwell" patient, other options such as: radiological drainage, laparoscopic washout and drainage, and surgical resection can be life-saving. Careful selection of patients using current stratification tools will help with management. All patients with intra-abdominal abscesses require follow-up and possibly further investigations. This article discusses current evidence and controversies underlying today's management of diverticulitis, diverticular abscess and other intra-abdominal abscesses.