Overview of acute diverticulitis

Abstract

Acute diverticulitis is an inflamatory process that occurs in colonic diverticula. Colonic diverticula, or better called pseudodiverticula, are sac-like protrusions of the mucosal and submucosal layers through the circular layer of the muscularis propria of the colon. The formation of these diverticula and their evolution to diverticulitis is influenced by many factors, including environmental and inherent factors. When the inflammatory process is established, some clinical manifestations such as pain in the left lower quadrant, fever and leukocytosis occur. The method of choice for the diagnosis of Acute Diverticulitis is Computerized Tomography (CT Scan), which is also used to assess complications and possible differential diagnoses. Based on the CT findings, the Modified Hinchey Classification is useful in determining the severity of the episode. Treatment depends on the severity of the inflammatory process, as well as the complications that arise. Management can be medical, percutaneous or surgical, where the Hartmann Procedure stands out as the main surgical intervention. After an acute episode, the risk of recurrence of new episodes increases