Peritonitis due to Diverticulitis
Peritonitis is a life-threatening infection that can cause multiple organ failure. Patients with diverticulitis need careful monitoring for signs of emerging peritonitis.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a development of diverticular disease. As we age, we are increasingly likely to develop diverticula (small pouches) on the inside lining of the large intestine or bowel. If these pouches become infected, the patient is suffering from diverticulitis. It may be possible to treat this condition at home with antibiotics and fluid diet if the symptoms are mild, but, if complications develop, treatment in hospital is likely to be required.
It is thought that approximately 25% of people with diverticulitis develop some form of complication as a result. The most common complications are a blockage in the bowel caused by scar tissue, peritonitis and a fistula between the bowel and bladder.
How does diverticulitis cause peritonitis?
Diverticulitis can lead to peritonitis if one of the infected pouches splits, allowing bacterial material to flow from the bowel into the abdomen. If this bacteria infects the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) the patient has developed peritonitis. Peritonitis is a medical emergency. Patients with peritonitis will need to be treated with antibiotics but may also require surgery. There is a danger of the infection getting into the bloodstream, leading to organ failure and death.
What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?
The key symptom of diverticulitis is sudden pain in the left side of the abdomen which may get worse over time. The patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, constipation and bloating.
Diarrhoea and blood in the faeces can also indicate diverticulitis.
If a patient experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical advice.
Can I prevent diverticulitis?
It is not clear what causes the development of diverticula in the bowel but there appears to be a number of contributing factors:
- Diverticular disease is more common in older people
- A low-fibre diet may make diverticulitis more likely
- A high weight may increase the chances of developing the condition
- Constipation may be an influencing factor.
A high-fibre diet, therefore, including fruit, vegetables, beans and grains or cereals is recommended to try to reduce the likelihood of developing diverticula in the first place.
What are the symptoms of peritonitis?
The symptoms of peritonitis are similar to those of diverticulitis and require urgent attention:
- Severe abdominal pain
- A high temperature
- Vomiting
- Reduction in urine flow
Peritonitis is a medical emergency due to its potential to develop into blood-poisoning and organ failure. It requires treatment in hospital with fluid and nutritional support.
Medical Negligence
Medical practitioners should be aware that peritonitis is a possible complication of diverticulitis and patients with diverticulitis should be monitored carefully for signs of the life-threatening condition. If these signs are missed and the infection is left untreated, the patient may be entitled to compensation for subsequent pain and distress.
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