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Quadrant Pain Essay

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Generally presents with left lower quadrant pain. Asian patients have predominantly right-sided diverticula and will usually present with right lower quadrant pain.[1]
Pain may be intermittent or constant and may be associated with a change in bowel habits.
Fever and tachycardia are present in most patients; hypotension and shock are unusual.
Anorexia, nausea and vomiting may occur.
Examination usually reveals localised tenderness and, occasionally, a palpable mass. Bowel sounds are often reduced but may be normal in mild cases or increased with obstruction.
Rectal examination may reveal tenderness or a mass, especially with a low-lying pelvic abscess.
One third of patients who develop diverticulitis will develop further complications (perforation, abscess, fistula, stricture/obstruction):[2] …show more content…

Colovesicular fistulas often present with pneumaturia and faecaluria. The passage of stool or flatus via the vagina is pathognomonic of a colovaginal fistula, which may also present with frequent vaginal infections or copious vaginal discharge.
Haemorrhage

Diverticular bleeding is a common cause of lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage.[6] Severe haemorrhage can arise in 3-5% of patients with diverticulosis. The site of bleeding may more often be located in the proximal colon.[1]
Presentation is usually abrupt painless bleeding. The patient may have mild lower abdominal cramps or the urge to defecate, followed by passage of a large amount of red or maroon blood or clots. Melaena may occur but is uncommon.
Haemorrhage ceases spontaneously in 70-80% of patients. Re-bleeding rates range from 22-38%.[1]
Differential diagnosis

Other causes of acute abdominal pain (including other abdominal, urological, and gynaecological causes) must be considered and excluded.
Symptomatic diverticular disease may closely resemble irritable bowel

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