II. Epidemiology
- Most common cause of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Severe, life threatening Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding occur in 3% of patients with Diverticulosis
IV. Pathophysiology
- Diverticula can occur anywhere in the Large Bowel
- Most common site for Diverticular Bleeding is at on ther right side, at the ascending colon (thinner wall)
V. Symptoms
- Painless rectal Hemorrhage
- Irritate symptoms due to acute bleeding may occur
- Mild abdominal cramping
- Stool urgency
VI. Signs
- Red to maroon stool which may contain intermixed blood clot
VII. Differential Diagnosis
- See Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Signs of Hemorrhagic Shock may be present
VIII. Course
- Bleeding spontaneously ceases in 75%, recurs in 38%
- Recurrence is 9% at one year and 25% at 4 years
IX. Prognosis: Comorbidities that increase complication risk
X. Prevention
- Avoid Aspirin and NSAIDs
- Increase Dietary Fiber
- Weight loss in Obesity with goal Body Mass Index <30 kg/m2
