Treatment:

Acute diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics.

The involved portion of the colon may need to be removed with surgery if you have:

• Abscess
• Hole (perforation) in the colon
• Fistula (abnormal connections between different parts of the colon or the colon and another body area)
• Repeated attacks of diverticulitis

After the acute infection has improved, eating high-fiber foods and using bulk additives such as psyllium may help reduce the risk of diverticulitis or other symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Usually, this is a mild condition that responds well to treatment.

Complications:

• Abscess formation
• Narrowing (stricture) in the colon or fistula formation
• Perforation of the colon leading to peritonitis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur.

Also call if you have diverticulitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.