Complicated (severe) diverticulitis

Complicated diverticulitis (ie diverticulitis with a positive blood culture result, perforation, peritonitis, sepsis, septic shock, or an abscess larger than 5 cm in diameter) is managed with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Surgery should be considered if there is peritonitis associated with perforation, an abscess that is not amenable to percutaneous drainage, or bowel obstruction.

Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended 6 to 8 weeks after an acute episode of diverticulitis for all patients with complicated diverticulitis – see Colorectal cancer screening in patients with diverticular disease after an acute diverticulitis episode.