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. 2009 Aug;22(3):156-60.
doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1236159.

The medical and nonoperative treatment of diverticulitis

Heath Beckham  1 , Charles B Whitlow
Affiliations

The medical and nonoperative treatment of diverticulitis

Heath Beckham et al. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2009 Aug.

Abstract

The success of medical management for diverticular disease depends on the patient's presentation and degree of response to treatment. The patient's presentation can be grouped into categories using classification systems such as the modified Hinchey system. Clinical presentation and diagnostic studies help to group patients. Mild disease can often be managed with oral antibiotics as an outpatient; more severe disease requires hospitalization, bowel rest, and intravenous antibiotics. Interventions such as percutaneous drainage of associated abscesses may allow successful medical management. Probiotics and antiinflammatories may have a supportive role. Indications for elective resections are discussed.

Keywords: Diverticular disease; antibiotics; medical management; percutaneous drainage.

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