[Diverticular disease : Complications and differential diagnosis].

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease is becoming increasingly more common in the western world. It is clinically subdivided into uncomplicated diverticular disease and diverticular disease with a complicated course. In approximately 20% of cases the diverticula will become symptomatic during the lifetime of patients.

RESULTS: In contrast to previous medical opinions, the occurrence of diverticula cannot be prevented by a diet rich in fiber; however, the development into complicated diverticulitis can be reduced by dietary measures. Complications include perforations, abscess and fistula formation or mechanical ileus. In addition, hemorrhage can occur as a complication, which can, however, occur in diverticulosis and also diverticulitis and especially in the chronic form. For the differential diagnostics a broad spectrum of inflammatory and noninflammatory diseases of the abdomen and pelvis must be taken into consideration.

CONCLUSION: According to the new S2K guidelines the subdivision of diverticulitis should be implemented using the so-called classification of diverticular diseases (CDD). This enables a stratification of patients for outpatient or inhospital treatment.