ASGE Annual GI Advanced Practice Provider Course (On-demand) (Day One) | March 2026-SESSION B: Approach to Care for Patients with Diverticulitis

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presenter reviews an approach to evaluating and managing diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is common (over 20% by age 40, up to 40–60% by age 60), progressive, and usually left-sided but can also occur in the right colon, which patients often don’t realize. Diverticulitis is increasingly seen in younger people. Risk factors include male sex, older age, smoking, high BMI, and Caucasian ethnicity. Symptoms typically include sudden, constant abdominal pain (often left lower quadrant), tenderness and possible rebound, fever/chills, and complications such as abscess, perforation, obstruction, or fistula (e.g., colovesical fistula). Differential diagnosis is broad (IBS, infection, IBD, ischemia, malignancy, GU/GYN causes). Workup may include CBC/CMP and CT to distinguish uncomplicated from complicated disease. Uncomplicated cases may not always need antibiotics, but require close follow-up; pain control should avoid opioids when possible. Complicated cases often require hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and possible drainage/surgical consultation. Clear documentation, return precautions, and lifestyle counseling (high fiber, less red meat, stop smoking) are emphasized.

Asset Subtitle

Jill Olmstead, DNP, ANP-BC, FAANP

Keywords

diverticulitis management

diverticulosis epidemiology

uncomplicated vs complicated diverticulitis

CT abdomen diagnosis

diverticulitis complications abscess perforation fistula

lifestyle counseling high fiber smoking cessation