Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon inflammation. What is sigmoid diverticulosis. More about complications

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon is a disorder that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, which occurs as a result of the processes of thickening of the intestine. The symptoms of this disease are varied and manifest themselves with age, and the treatment of the disease varies depending on the type, stage and causes of the pathology.

Sigmoid diverticulitis is a more advanced stage of diverticulosis, or diverticular disease. Most often, the disease occurs due to chronic constipation or problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Diverticula themselves are formations on the walls of the colon, and are shaped like a sac filled with pus. Treatment and symptoms of the disease depend on the stage at which the person is.

Types of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

There are several types of diseases. They are classified by stages, and the stages, in turn, can also be distributed into some categories.

Types of diverticulosis, depending on the clinical picture, can be divided as follows:

  1. Asymptomatic diverticulitis, which is characterized by the absence of any clinical manifestations. Most often, this stage of diverticulosis and characteristic sacs in the colon are found during a general diagnosis of the body or suspicion of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  2. Acute diverticulitis manifests itself through uncontrolled contractions of the walls of the colon, as well as problems with the processes of digestion and disturbance in the intestinal environment.
  3. Complicated form disease is characterized by uncontrolled pain, a dangerous state of health and requires urgent medical intervention.

Forms of diseases also depend on the type of diverticula. They can be both congenital and acquired. Congenital is characterized by mutations and changes that occurred either with the mother or with the fetus, as a result of intrauterine development.

Acquired - these are neoplasms that are formed or formed throughout a person's life, or for a certain period. There are true and false diverticula.

They are distinguished by the participation of the mucous membrane in the process of formation:

  • true ones give rise to a disease that occurred as a result of the protrusion of two or more shells;
  • false is characterized by a protrusion of one mucous membrane.

Diverticula can also be divided according to the development of the disease. They can be rational, that is, formations that were formed due to the influence of the external environment, and traction - these are neoplasms, the formation of which was influenced by constant or periodic stretching of the food walls.

Acquired disease is the most common form of the disease that affects people aged 40 and over. According to the latest data, about a quarter of the population suffers from colonic diverticulosis.

Stages and degrees of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

Diverticular disease in a complicated form can occur in four stages. They are characterized by a gradual increase in pain, a larger area of ​​\u200b\u200bdistribution of the lesion.

Four stages of the development of the disease:


Early detection of diverticulitis is difficult. It is much easier to do this when abscesses and blood loss appear. In such cases, you must immediately seek medical help.

Symptoms of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which are determined on an individual basis, is characteristic of people over 40 and above. Symptoms do not appear as a group, and their presence depends on the type and stage of the spread of the disease, and treatment directly depends on the manifestations. Non-inflammatory purulent formations may not appear for a long time.

The appearance of diverticula in the sigmoid colon is detected during the prevention of other diseases, as well as inflammation and complications that have appeared. With diverticulitis, a person may experience periodic pain after the release of gases and the process of excretion of the body of feces.

Diverticular bowel disease is characterized by the following symptoms:


Some of the symptoms may be the result of other diseases, therefore, if a group of manifestations of the disease is detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor for a general diagnosis of the body.

Causes of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

The main cause of diverticulitis is adulthood. Immunity begins to weaken every year, so the intestines become more susceptible to disease damage.

In rare cases, sigmoid diverticulitis is manifested due to improper bowel function or a single failure of its motility.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is an uncomplicated disease, the diagnosis of which involves the study of the body and the necessary organ through the use of tools.

Taking feces and blood for analysis is a standard procedure for studying the body and obtaining a general diagnosis.

If diverticulitis is suspected, a colonoscopy is indicated. The principle of the procedure is to insert an endoscope into the colon and examine its walls through a monitor.

Colonoscopy is carried out in specially equipped rooms, so a similar procedure is available in large medical or diagnostic centers. The average price in Russia is 4,000 rubles per service. In large reputable centers, the cost of the procedure can reach up to 30,000 rubles.

Procedures that allow you to determine the size of diverticula, their features:

  1. Pronounced disruptions in the work of the intestine allows you to determine esophagomanometry. The procedure reveals the frequency with which the esophagus contracts. It is carried out on an empty stomach and after some preparation. The average price in Russia is 3000 rubles.
  2. Irrigoscopy involves the introduction of a special chemical mixture, which appears under x-rays. With the help of this procedure, the narrow passages of the intestine and the presence of diverticula in it are determined. Irrigography can be done in almost every clinic in the city where there is an X-ray machine, and the average price of the service is about 2,000 rubles.
  3. Laparoscopy used as an additional examination, with which you can immediately remove a small accumulation of purulent sacs. The principle of the procedure is to create small incisions in the abdominal cavity, into which instruments are inserted. Laparoscopy is performed only by experienced surgeons. The average cost of this procedure is about 5500 rubles.

In addition to surgical and instrumental interventions, palpation is preliminarily performed - an examination of the abdominal cavity with fingers, and information is also collected about the patient's well-being from the person himself and his immediate environment.

When to see a doctor

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which can be completely different, therefore, at the first signs of illness, you need to seek medical help, it can also be a symptom of other problems with the intestines.

In the early stages, the disease may not manifest itself, so people over 40 are recommended to have a colonoscopy once every 5 years for prevention purposes. This category of people is at risk.

Immediate handling is necessary if blood is shed in the stool. This means that the diverticula are damaged or festering.


Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. The first symptoms may not be immediately recognizable, but blood in the stool is the first signal when you need to see a doctor and start treatment.

Prevention of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

You can prevent the appearance of diverticulum by introducing foods that are rich in fiber and gluten into the diet. Meat products are also important for health, so they can be combined with a variety of cereals. The most necessary porridge is oatmeal, it has a lot of nutritious fibers.

People who have a predisposition to this disease, who have suffered from infections of the gastrointestinal tract, and other manifestations of diverticulitis, are recommended to conduct a clinical diagnosis to identify purulent sacs and problems with the mucosa of the sigmoid colon.

Methods of treatment of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which directly depend on the stage, type and causes of the appearance of purulent sacs, can be detected by palpation. The appearance of the disease is associated with the age of the person, the method of treatment also depends on it.

If diverticulosis is uncomplicated, then it is possible to get rid of abscesses through diet and constipation, but if diverticula bleed, then surgical intervention is necessary.

What is prescribed for a mild form of the disease:


In some cases, substances may be added that help restore the intestinal environment.

Medications

Table of medications that can be prescribed by a doctor. Before using the drug, you should consult with a specialist.

Drug class Name Description Well Dosage Price
AntibioticCefotaxime60% of the drug is excreted 6 hours after cessation of consumption. Resistant to many microbes. Sold in the form of a powder to create a solution and administration through injections. It has a number of side effects (dizziness, vomiting, nausea, rash). Determined by the doctor; 1-2 grams of the substance for adults every 4-12 hours; 21-45 rub.
ProbioticLinex ForteThe drug is suitable for children, people suffering from allergic reactions, helps with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to take the drug after meals, do not drink it with hot liquids and alcoholic beverages. Average course - two weeks 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day. 282-82 rub.
SpasmolyticsPapaverineAvailable in the form of a solution for injection. It is forbidden to enter quickly, as the heart rhythm is disturbed. It is necessary to leave a gap between each introduction of 4 hours. Prescribed by the attending physician Inside, 40-60 g 5 times / day, rectally, 20-30 g 2-3 times a day. 15-85 rub.
Pain relieverNo-shpaIt has an effect on smooth muscles. Can be replaced with a cheap analogue - drotaverine. Of necessity 1-2 tablets 3 times a day. 52 - 481 rubles,
constipation medications MukolfakSold in granules, from which a suspension is obtained for oral administration. For chronic constipation up to 4 weeks, if necessary up to 2 days; 2-6 times a day.From 482 rubles.
Antihistamine SuprastinA classic anti-allergic drug, produced in the form of tablets for oral administration; 5-7 days.Up to 3 times a day.From 180 rub.
ProkineticsMotiliumAvailable in the form of tablets and syrups. Standard preparation for elimination of weight and problems with digestion. Not more than a week.1-2 times during the day. 374 - 659 rubles.

Doctors prescribe drugs based on the symptoms and causes of the disease, so there is no need to use all types of drugs.

Folk methods

In addition to following a strict diet and consuming a lot of fiber-rich foods, it is recommended to try folk methods:


Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, the symptoms and treatment of which is determined not only by folk methods, also requires surgical intervention, drug prevention. Traditional medicine is an auxiliary, secondary method of improving health.

Other methods

Other methods of treatment are used only in case of complications or advanced disease. These include gastric lavage, bowel cleansing with enema, and the use of fresh frozen plasma.

In addition, surgical intervention is used, but only in cases where the patient has bleeding or severe pain.

Possible Complications

Untimely treatment or ignoring preventive measures at advanced stages threatens that the abscess breaks out of the sigmoid colon and develops into the abdominal cavity.

If in this case the treatment is ignored, then there is a gradual fusion of neighboring organs with the intestine. As a result, an abdominal tumor is formed, internal bleeding opens, pus can spread to the internal epithelium.

Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon is a serious disease, ignoring which is fraught with the spread of the disease to the entire body. The symptoms of the disease appear late, but timely treatment can permanently solve the problem.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon - symptoms, treatment:

Diverticulosis is a medical condition in which small pockets known as diverticula develop in the colon. Some doctors talk about several foods to avoid for this condition, but studies have not proven that they cause problems. Has diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon symptoms and treatment, the latter can only be proceeded after a thorough diagnosis. The patient should keep a food diary to determine which foods he should avoid.

Collapse

Before proceeding to the treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis, consider the symptoms and causes of the disease. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can be congenital or acquired. Congenital pathologies are characterized by underdevelopment, or a violation in the development of the vitelline duct. In the later development of the child, it is expressed in intestinal obstruction, problems with the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Colon diverticulum

Not everyone knows what sigmoid diverticula are. - this is a blind protrusion of the intestinal walls, which are formed with excessive consumption of flour, meat foods. Monotony in nutrition and food poor in fiber leads to the development of constipation, which provoke stretching of the intestinal walls. The disease can be as a complication of colitis, intestinal dysbacteriosis and the development of an inflammatory process caused by the contamination of the bacterial flora.

Diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon is often asymptomatic, but can manifest itself as symptoms of appendicitis: pain in the left side, nausea and vomiting. With the development of the inflammatory process, it may be accompanied by fever. A neglected disease leads to the development of peritonitis, the formation of fecal stones in diverticula. Bleeding may also occur. In more detail, the symptoms are as follows:

  1. The pain takes on a pronounced form after emptying, as a rule, it is localized in the left side of the abdomen. Pain can be present for a long time, and their source of distribution does not change at all. This process is enhanced if you strongly press on this place or perform physical exercises with increased load.
  2. Chair problems. In most cases, one of the symptoms is constipation, sometimes blood can be seen in the feces - this symptom is noted by 25% of patients.
  3. Increase in body temperature. This symptom is a consequence of a serious inflammatory process, it is associated with excessive accumulation of feces.

The above symptoms may also indicate another disease, but nevertheless, the patient should contact a medical institution. Such manifestations can only indicate a pathological process in the body, the development of which has acquired a rapid pace.

Before treating diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis of the whole organism in order not only to determine the degree of damage to the body, but also to determine the cause of such a pathological condition. According to the general blood test, an increase in ESR, leukocytosis, and a stab shift to the left are observed. Endoscopic studies such as colonoscopy can differentiate it from intestinal obstruction, colitis, constipation, and cancer. is carried out using a contrast agent that shows the contours of the intestine and with diverticula, protrusions ranging in size from 0.5 to 5 cm are noted, which can be seen on x-rays. According to the results of ultrasound, you can detect, see the thickening of the walls along the intestine.

The method of treatment depends on the form of diverticulitis. Two methods are used - conservative and surgical. The conservative method involves taking antibiotics for two weeks, following a diet, drinking regimen, and taking semi-liquid and liquid foods. The severe form is subject to hospitalization, adherence to dietary nutrition and relief of pain symptoms. The surgical method is used for peritonitis, bleeding, intestinal perforation. In this method, a portion of the intestine is removed as a source of diverticulitis.

You should follow a diet for diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon, which is rich in useful fiber and helps cleanse the intestines. The diet includes whole grain bread, bran, vegetables and fruits. Vegetables that are allowed are cabbage, carrots, and other non-coarse fiber vegetables. Radishes, pineapples, persimmons, legumes, watermelon are contraindicated.

Whole grain bread and bran are good for the digestive tract

Maintaining an active lifestyle, eating foods rich in plant fiber and drinking plenty of water, all this helps to reduce the manifestations of diverticulitis and serves as a prevention of its formation.

Treatment at home for diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon can be implemented using conservative methods in combination with folk recipes. This combination increases the effectiveness of conventional therapy, while it should be borne in mind that folk remedies have a minimum of contraindications, and they have also been tested by time and the experience of our ancestors.

However, the use of folk remedies shows good results only with a disease without complications. At the initial stages of development, this method allows you to remove gases from the body, relieve spasms and pain. Bran contains dietary fiber that can normalize stools, which is the main goal in the treatment of diverticulosis, which is asymptomatic. Bran can be mixed with kefir or yogurt, but first they must swell (this will take about 30 minutes). At the beginning of such therapy, the daily dose will be 1 tbsp. spoon, then gradually the volume increases every day by 50 grams.

Olive oil has a positive effect on the intestines

Olive oil has a positive effect on the condition of the intestinal walls. To do this, you can season the vegetable salad with olive oil or flax seeds. The intestinal mucosa must be constantly moistened with olive oil, it can be drunk 1 tablespoon before bedtime. To combat constipation, you need to consume 20 psyllium seeds every day, drink tea with chamomile or mint. A good result shows an infusion of elderberries.

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon requires the patient to follow a characteristic diet, it has a number of features and nuances. Many doctors recommend avoiding any food that has the potential to get stuck in the diverticulum. If food enters the diverticulum, it can irritate them, causing pain and an infection known as diverticulitis. Although many patients claim that they experience pain after taking certain small, hard foods, scientific evidence has not been found to support this theory.

Foods that are at higher risk of diverticulum are nuts, seeds, and popcorn. While some argue that even the small seeds in tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries can cause problems, most doctors say they're safe, especially if they're thermally cooked. If any of these foods are causing problems, they can be ground in a food processor.

It is necessary to establish nutrition taking into account all the nuances

Nutrition for diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon has some nuances, first of all, you need to protect yourself from harmful and “heavy” food. Fried and high-fat foods are also considered foods to avoid with diverticulosis. These types of food take a long time to digest. And it can cause bloating and a feeling of pressure in the large intestine, which can cause pain and other complications. Diverticula are weak areas of the colon and therefore anything that causes additional pressure should be avoided. Some other foods to avoid with diverticulosis are foods with fast-digesting carbohydrates, such as white rice, pasta, and white bread.

Foods low in dietary fiber take extra time to go through the digestive process, causing high blood pressure just like fried foods. Patients should instead increase their fiber intake to help the colon digest foods easily.

Colon stimulants, also called laxatives, can also cause problems for people with diverticulosis, whether they are in the form of foods or drugs. Laxatives are very harmful to the colon and diverticula. But researchers haven't proven that these foods cause big problems, which is why many doctors recommend keeping a very detailed food diary to determine which foods are safe for each patient. To keep a diary, the patient will need to record what he or she eats at each meal, as well as taking their medications and bowel movements (that is, how often the patient goes to the toilet). What foods cause pain should be observed so that the patient can determine which foods to avoid in diverticulosis.

The preventive diverticulitis diet is very different and is meant to be used when people do not have an active infection. This diet focuses on getting the patient a diet high in dietary fiber. Some of the best sources include beans, whole grain rice, and other whole grains such as oats. Green vegetables and many types of fruits are very high in these fibers. Dietary fiber is combined with protein low fat foods and can be very nutritious and beneficial.

Diverticulosis is a serious disease of the digestive system that requires the patient to be especially patient and follow special treatment measures. The latter for the most part consist in proper nutrition and conservative methods, and their effectiveness can be significantly increased by treating diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon with folk remedies. It is forbidden to prescribe therapy on your own, so you must definitely go to the hospital, in most cases you will need treatment in a hospital so that the specialist can monitor the patient's condition and make the necessary adjustments to his treatment.

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is one of the chronic diseases of the intestine, namely the sigmoid. It manifests itself in the form of saccular hernias - diverticula, formed on the intestinal walls.

The disease occurs in one in ten people who have reached the age of forty. It quickly becomes chronic and by the age of seventy, diverticulosis can be found in half of the population.

It should be noted that the disease is most widespread in countries where the basis of the diet is animal products. In countries with traditional vegetarianism, the percentage of cases is much lower.

What causes a violation?

The disease occurs due to the death of nerve fibers that connect the intestines with the brain, and malnutrition. This leads to thinning of local areas on the colon mucosa of 1-2 cm in size.

When the feces move, thin areas do not withstand pressure and bulge outward forming diverticula. In some cases, they can appear throughout the large intestine. The occurrence of a large number of neoplasms is called diverticulosis.

Disease development factors:

Disease classification

Diverticulosis, like many other diseases, can be congenital or acquired.

The latter arise due to mechanical damage to the intestines, inflammatory diseases or pathologies of the abdominal cavity (adhesions).

Diverticulosis can be:

  • asymptomatic;
  • with pronounced symptoms;
  • complicated.

Among the complications of the disease are the following:

  • acute or chronic form of diverticulitis;
  • perforation (rupture) of the diverticulum;
  • intestinal bleeding;
  • intestinal obstruction.

Features of the clinical picture

At the initial stage, diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is asymptomatic for a long time.

The presence of the disease can be suspected if the following signs are observed for a long time:

  • heaviness and dull pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, disappearing after a bowel movement;
  • bloating on the left side;
  • chronic constipation.

The presence of these symptoms is sufficient reason to consult a doctor and further examination.

Diagnostic methods

When diagnosing diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the patient's complaints, lifestyle, diet and stool regularity.

An accurate diagnosis can be made using instrumental examination methods:

  1. It is carried out on an outpatient basis by introducing a contrast agent into the intestine and fixing it with an X-ray machine. A special compound that blocks x-rays is injected into the intestines. The X-ray machine takes several pictures, with the help of which the movement of the contrast is monitored and the filling of existing diverticula with it. As a result, the entire sigmoid colon, the presence and size of protrusions will be visible on the images.
  2. allows visual examination of the intestine. For this, a colonoscope is used - a special thin long probe with a video camera. The resulting image is transmitted to the monitor. The probe consists of several channels, using which you can insert special instruments, diagnose or treat them (taking tissue for a biopsy, removing polyps, cauterizing bleeding or erosion, etc.). The colonoscope is inserted into the anus and the probe is gradually advanced into the intestine. The monitor will show diverticulum openings in the wall, foci of inflammation and places with poor patency.
  3. In difficult cases, the patient may be CT or MRI studies.

Ultrasound is not used to diagnose this disease, due to low information content.

Features of therapy - goals and methods

The purpose of treatment depends on:

  • the state of the patient's body, his diet and lifestyle;
  • stage of the disease;
  • possible complications.

Treatment for mild sigmoid diverticulosis involves a diet based on a high-fiber, plant-based diet. The daily dose of fiber is 30-35 grams.

With its lack, you can purchase special nutritional supplements. The amount of liquid consumed should be at least 1.5-2 liters per day.

The presence of an inflammatory process requires treatment in a clinical setting. It includes:

  • adherence to a plant-based diet and drinking regimen;
  • use of broad-spectrum antibiotics I (aminoglycosides, penicillins, cephalosporins);
  • prokinetics- stimulants of intestinal motility;
  • antispasmodics- drugs that relieve muscle spasms;
  • laxatives.

If therapy for several days does not give a positive result and additional complications arise, then the patient is recommended inpatient treatment and the development of new tactics, including the correction of early appointments, the addition of infusion therapy and surgical intervention (removal of the affected area of ​​the intestine).

Surgery

As a reason for surgery, there are two types of indications - emergency and elective.

Emergency include:

  • perforation of the diverticulum;
  • profuse bleeding;
  • intestinal obstruction.

Planned ones include:

  • lack of result from the treatment of the disease by conservative methods;
  • Availability ;
  • the formation of a chronic infiltrate.

In most cases, instead of a major abdominal surgery, the intervention is performed laparoscopically. Instead of a large, long-healing suture, several punctures and a small incision remain on the skin of the abdomen to extract the removed part of the intestine. This allows patients to be discharged without complications for 3-5 days.

The use of alternative medicine

Treatment of diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon with folk remedies is used together with traditional, and not instead of drug treatment and surgery, and under the supervision of the attending physician.

Linseed or olive oil gives good results. They normalize bowel function and relieve inflammation. One clove of garlic a day will help restore the microflora.

You can use a decoction of slippery elm bark. For its preparation, 1 tsp is taken. bark and 0.5 tsp. powder from the bark of this tree in 1 cup of water. The broth is cooked for 20 minutes over low heat. Drink before meals 1-3 times a day for a glass.

Reception within a month of infusion of dill seeds, rose hips, chamomile flowers, motherwort herb and nettle will increase immunity, relieve inflammation and reduce the formation of gases. To obtain an infusion, you must mix all the ingredients in equal parts, take 1 tbsp. mix and pour in a thermos 1 cup of warm water. The herb is infused for 1.5 hours, after which it must be taken ½ cup twice a day.

Possible Complications

With the development of inflammation in the intestinal wall (diverticulitis), the symptoms change - the pain becomes prolonged (up to several days) and localized in a certain area.

The temperature rises to 40 degrees, nausea and vomiting, bloating, constipation and diarrhea occur. Rupture of the inflamed area of ​​the intestine with the ingress of contents into the abdominal cavity leads to peritonitis.

If an ulcer formed in the diverticulum affects the vessel located there, intestinal bleeding may develop. The amount of blood in the stool depends on the size of the affected vessel. Chronic bleeding leads to the development of anemia.

A purulent abscess often forms in the cavity of the diverticulum. When the abscess breaks into the intestine, the patient may recover. If the abscess breaks into the organ with which the adhesions formed, then an internal fistula occurs (a hole connecting both organs).

Most often there are three types of fistulas:

  • gastrointestinal accompanied by frequent vomiting with an admixture of feces in the vomit;
  • enterovaginal accompanied by profuse discharge with fecal particles and an unpleasant odor;
  • enterovesical that cause chronic cystitis - they are distinguished by fecal particles released during urination, pus and gas bubbles, occurs mainly in men.

Adhesive disease developed from diverticulitis can lead to intestinal obstruction.

Disease prevention

  • change your lifestyle to a more active one;
  • carefully monitor your health and consult a doctor in a timely manner;
  • increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon, like most diseases of a modern person, is associated with a sedentary lifestyle, the presence of heavy fatty foods in the diet and bad habits.

Therefore, if there is no desire in old age to consult doctors with this unpleasant disease, then you should think about it much earlier. Prevention of the disease is useful and pleasant - more vegetables and fruits in the diet, adherence to the diet and sports during sedentary work.

With the help of statistical data, it can be argued that every fourth person in the world suffers from the disease diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon. Usually this disease is observed in people in old age, since it is precisely the age-related change in the organisms that provokes it.

Diverticlesis occurs during a bowel movement due to strong tension. The usual location is the lower part of the sigmoid colon, about the size of a pea, sometimes a little more.

Doctors say that diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is a very common disease, which is treated by 10% of people who have already reached 40 years of age. After 60 years, this disease can be found in every third.

What are diverticula?

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is a disease in which a protrusion forms in the mucous membrane of the sigmoid colon. Due to its unusual curved structure, diverticula appear in the large intestine.

All urgent questions and your confusions that are associated with diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon will be easily answered by a proctologist. Diverticulosis cannot be determined without special diagnostics and testing.

Video:

Causes

What are the factors that provoke changes in the body? The very first is the so-called age-related changes, which lead to changes in the muscles of the intestinal walls, and also cause degenerative changes.

Natural oils are useful for the whole organism, they saturate with vitamins and microelements, prevent constipation and relieve inflammation in the intestines.

  • Dill;
  • Rosehip fruit;
  • nettle;
  • Chamomile flowers;
  • Motherwort.


It is necessary to prepare decoctions from mixtures of herbs and drink it throughout the day. The herb has the ability to soothe, has anti-inflammatory and carminative effects.

Very useful for the intestines is an infusion of elderberries. The recipe is very simple:

  1. It is necessary to pour an armful of berries with one glass of boiling water;
  2. Leave to infuse for a few minutes, until cool;
  3. Drink a glass a day in small portions.

Remember that any remedy from traditional medicine will be effective only if you follow the right diet, as well as drug treatment.

Statistics confirm that this disease is diagnosed in every fourth person in the world. Its symptoms appear in middle-aged and elderly people and are provoked by age-related changes in the body. At the age of 70-80 years, this disease is detected in more than 50% of patients. We are talking about such a disease as diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon.

The pathological process, called diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon, is characterized by the formation of diverticula (hernial sac-like protrusions of the intestinal walls). Often, the disease reveals itself by the age of 50, it is at this age that the walls of the sigmoid colon begin to weaken and squeeze them out with an increase in intracavitary pressure.

In the vast majority of cases, the diagnosis of diverticulum formation is not congenital, but manifests itself under the influence of adverse factors and malnutrition. If the formation of multiple diverticula is observed in the sigmoid colon, the disease is characterized as diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon, while it must be distinguished from diverticulitis, the main factor of which is the inflammatory process.

Causes of diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon

What are the provoking factors that cause pathological changes in the state of the body? These can be age-related changes leading to degeneration of the muscles of the intestinal wall and causing general degenerative changes in the body.

Another reason contributing to the development of diverticulosis can be considered underdevelopment and weakness of the connective tissue resulting from a congenital or acquired failure in the synthesis of collagen fibers.

Malfunctions in intestinal motility are considered a common cause of the onset of the disease. This is manifested by the fact that with increased intra-intestinal pressure, the fibers of the intestinal wall, as it were, "disperse" and form characteristic protrusions (diverticula).

Diverticula can form with spasm of the muscles of the intestinal wall. These manifestations lead to squeezing of blood vessels inside the intestinal walls and disruption of blood circulation. As a result, dystrophy and stretching of the spaces around the vessels are noted, leading to protrusion of the intestinal walls.

The cause of diverticulum may be a hereditary predisposition. The likelihood of the disease increases many times if there have been cases of sigmoid diverticulosis in the family.

Diet plays an important role in the development of the disease. Thus, numerous studies confirm that in countries of Africa and India with a historically established predominance of a plant-based diet, there are significantly fewer cases of the disease than in European countries, where food of animal origin is preferred.

Classification of diverticulosis

Depending on the origin, diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon can be congenital or acquired. Depending on the nature of the flow, it can be:

  1. Asymptomatic
  2. With characteristic, pronounced manifestations
  3. Complicated

In addition, diverticulosis is divided into true and false. True refers to congenital diseases and occurs when all layers of the intestine, its muscular, mucosal and submucous membranes protrude. False diverticulosis is acquired, is formed during life and is manifested by the protrusion of the mucous membrane.

It is necessary to start treatment of this disease when the first symptoms appear. But sometimes it is difficult to do this, since in most patients diverticulosis can occur without visible manifestations and is discovered by chance during an appointment with a doctor for a completely different reason.

The most characteristic symptom of the disease is pain in the lower abdomen, which is of a very different nature and can be perceived by patients as disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients associate discomfort with dietary errors and do not seek medical help, since pain usually disappears after a bowel movement.

Often diverticulosis occurs against the background and when the inflammatory process is attached, the symptoms of the disease begin to manifest themselves especially strongly. Pain in the left iliac region becomes persistent and prolonged, their intensity after the stool does not decrease.

The pain syndrome lasts for several days and increases with palpation of the specified area and even while walking. Unsteady stools can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, and a constant feeling of discomfort.

Even if at first the disease is asymptomatic, then over time, disturbances in the body make themselves felt. As a result of stagnation of stool, a complication of diverticulosis develops - inflammation of the protrusions of the intestinal walls (diverticulitis). In this state, the pain becomes constant and is accompanied by symptoms of intoxication of the body and a significant increase in temperature.

With a long course of the disease and large diverticula, the following symptoms are characteristic:

  • Drawing pains in the left lower abdomen caused by spasm of the walls of the sigmoid colon
  • or loose stools for a long time
  • Bloating on the left side and flatulence
  • Feeling of heaviness and fullness in the left side of the abdomen, which disappear after stool

With the development of complications, there is a persistent deterioration in the patient's condition, accompanied by severe weakness and a sharp increase in temperature. What complications occur most often?

It is clear that the development of the disease threatens with serious and unpleasant complications, so timely diagnosis and proper treatment will help to avoid life-threatening conditions and improve the patient's well-being.

When examining a patient, a specialist draws attention to a number of factors: characteristic complaints, the patient's age, lifestyle, diet, and a tendency to constipation. The doctor examines the patient, identifying painful areas characteristic of this disease with the help of palpation.

A detailed history will help clarify the clinical picture and suspect diverticulosis. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a series of laboratory tests and hardware examinations.

In some complex cases, the patient may be assigned a survey radiography of the abdominal organs or such visual examination methods as computed tomography and MRI. Such a method as ultrasound in this case is not informative and is not used to clarify the diagnosis.

Methods of treatment of diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon will depend on many factors: the stage of the disease, the risk of complications, the age and general well-being of the patient, his lifestyle and diet. Uncomplicated diverticulosis is treated conservatively, the treatment of severe forms of the disease involves surgical intervention.

Conservative treatment involves an integrated approach that includes a special diet and drug therapy. The patient is prescribed:

  • Broad spectrum antibiotics (cephalosporins, penicillins)
  • Painkillers and antispasmodics that reduce muscle spasm (drotaverine, no-shpa, mebeverine)
  • Prokinetics that stimulate intestinal motility
  • Laxatives based on lactulose (duphalac)
  • Enzymes to improve digestion (mezim, pancreatin, festal)
  • Preparations that restore the intestinal microflora (Linex, Bifidumbacterin)
  • Means, and flatulence (biseptol, sulgin)

In severe forms of diverticulosis, the following therapeutic measures are carried out:

  • Perform gastric lavage
  • Unload the intestines with siphon enemas
  • Carry out infusion therapy with crystalloid solutions
  • Use fresh frozen plasma

Surgical intervention is performed in cases where life-threatening complications occur: heavy bleeding, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction. Indications for surgical intervention are:

  • frequent exacerbations with severe pain,
  • the risk of developing other oncological neoplasms.

The operation is carried out in two stages. At the first stage, resection is carried out, that is, the affected areas of the sigmoid colon are removed, at the second stage, an anastomosis is formed, connecting the remaining sections of the intestine. In addition to resection, drainage of the abdominal cavity is carried out and subsequent intravenous administration of antibiotics.

Timely medical care and properly selected treatment tactics allow you to make a favorable prognosis and save the patient from unwanted complications.

Diet for diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon

To alleviate the condition, the patient is prescribed a special diet with a predominance of plant fiber. The diet is formed on the basis of the following products: fruits and vegetables, brown rice, cereals and legumes. To avoid intestinal irritation, products are recommended to be steamed, baked or boiled.

Nutrition should be fractional, you need to eat 5-6 times a day in small portions. Many nutritionists advise adhering to the principles of separate nutrition so that food is better absorbed by the body.

The diet for diverticulosis includes wholemeal bread, bran, whole grain cereals. Limit the consumption of refined foods:

  • confectionery,
  • semi-finished products,
  • chips,
  • flour products.

The following foods are excluded from the diet:

  • whole milk,
  • chocolate,
  • carbonated drinks,
  • coffee,
  • strong tea,
  • alcohol.

It is recommended to include natural laxatives in the menu: prunes, dried apricots, fermented milk products, herbal infusions. It is advised to use garlic, it helps to normalize the intestinal microflora.

Every day you should eat salads of fresh vegetables with vegetable oil and drink plenty of fluids (up to 2 liters). Freshly prepared juices from vegetables and fruits, broths and first courses are of great benefit.

Useful fiber contains bran, seeds, nuts, unrefined cereals. A lot of it in zucchini, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, spinach. In the diet, they try to adhere to the "rule of three" - they eat three servings of vegetables, three pieces of grain bread, three fruits and 300 grams daily. brown rice porridge or oatmeal. This will help you get the fiber you need.

Try not to overeat, lead a healthy lifestyle and refuse to eat food with artificial food additives. In addition to proper and rational nutrition, an increase in physical activity, long walks and special gymnastics are encouraged.

Treatment of diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon with folk remedies

Treatment with the help of traditional medicine recipes helps to alleviate the patient's condition and improve his well-being. Let's talk about the most effective and common methods.

Treatment of diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon with folk remedies should be carried out in combination with drug therapy and carried out after consultation with a doctor and under his supervision. It is dangerous to engage in self-medication so as not to worsen the situation and avoid the development of complications.

Remember that the use of folk remedies should not replace a visit to the doctor. Only a competent specialist can make a correct diagnosis, conduct the necessary examination and choose the right treatment tactics that guarantee relief of the condition and help defeat the disease.