Low Fiber Diet

↑ Stool transit time

(↓ colonic motility)

Inherent weakness Stool build-up,

in the muscle layers ↑ pressure in
of the colonic wall colonic lumen

These regions are

Mucosal and submucosal layers of the colon Diverticula most commonly form
perceived in the left
wall herniates through the circular muscle in the descending and sigmoid
layer, creating colonic diverticula colon lower quadrant (LLQ) of
the abdomen

Continued stress on diverticula causes micro-

perforations → bacterial infection Triggers cytokines release Fever

- Persistent LLQ pain, abdominal

Inflammation of diverticula reaches parietal Irritation of parietal peritoneum
guarding and peritoneal signs
peritoneum → stimulation of somatic nerves
- Constipation/obstipation

Clotting of blood in the blood vessels feeding

diverticula No bleeding (unlike diverticulosis)

Inflamed vessels are more Dehydration (low JPV, ↑ resting

Continued inflammation of diverticula causes
permeable & leak fluid from the HR, orthostatic hypotension)
complications over time
blood into the colon

Complete bowel Fistulae (through Colonic fibrosis → Abscesses

perforation bladder, vagina, GI strictures,
(medical skin or gut) colonic obstruction
emergency)