Sigmoid diverticulitis
Colon Sigmoideum is the Latin name for ileum. It is one of the last large intestine sections in the left lower abdomen. Diverticula are small bulges of the intestine.
They are formed mainly in this section of the colon as a result of increased pressure, for example in the context of constipation, which the wall of the colon can no longer withstand and forms these bulges to relieve the pressure. Diverticula are in themselves nothing bad at first. They are found, increasingly with increasing age, in many people, for example during a colonoscopy.
These bulges often only cause complaints as soon as they become inflamed. If the inflamed diverticula are located in the ileum, i.e. in the sigmoid colon, one speaks of sigmoid diverticulitis.
- Cause: If stool is deposited in these diverticula, irritation of the intestinal wall occurs, which allows harmless intestinal bacteria to penetrate the damaged intestinal wall and inflame it.
Now one speaks of a diverticulitis. The danger is that the irritated intestinal wall could tear, i.e. perforate, and thus allow bowel movements to enter the abdominal cavity. This can be life-threatening.
- Symptoms:The affected persons complain about, sometimes severe pain in the left lower abdomen.
Frequently fever occurs as a result of the inflammation. Bowel irregularities are also often observed, usually in the form of constipation.
- Diagnosis:Often the doctor can already express the suspicion of the presence of sigmoid diverticulitis on the basis of the physical examination. There is a pain with pressure in the area of the left lower abdomen.
Occasionally the inflamed intestine is palpable as a hardening.During the inflammatory phase, diverticulitis can be assessed by means of computer tomography. During the inflammation-free phase, sacculations can be detected during a colonoscopy. During the acute phase this is too dangerous, as the inflamed intestinal bulge could rupture quickly.
- Therapy:The therapy depends on the extent of the inflammation and the condition of the patient.
The highest priority is initially the treatment of the inflammation. It is recommended to eat only light food in order to relieve the bowel. Furthermore, the administration of antibiotics to kill the bacteria as well as the treatment of pain with appropriate medication can be useful.
If the symptoms get worse despite therapy, if inflammation has already occurred several times or if the bowel has already been perforated, surgery is necessary. In this operation, the part of the intestine that houses the inflamed diverticulum is removed. In some cases, this is already possible in the form of a so-called keyhole operation, in which only minimally small scars remain after the operation.
