Man Hospitalized with Perforated Diverticulitis – A Warning Sign of Aging Intestines
Taipei, Taiwan – June 29, 2025[[2]- A 60-year-old man with pre-existing diabetes and obesity recently required emergency surgery after presenting with lower abdominal pain that rapidly escalated. Initial symptoms were mistaken for gastroenteritis, but quickly progressed to severe bloating and pain with even minimal movement. Doctors discovered free gas in his peritoneal cavity and a tumor-like lesion in his descending colon, ultimately diagnosing him with large intestinal diverticulitis leading to intestinal perforation and peritonitis.The patient underwent a left-side descending colectomy, successfully removing the inflamed diverticulum. He has since recovered well and been discharged, able to resume a normal diet.
Diverticulitis: A Sign of the Times According to medical professionals, the presence of large intestinal diverticula is often indicative of an aging digestive system. The condition is strongly linked to a low-fiber diet, which slows down large intestine peristalsis, increasing chamber pressure and leading to the formation of outward protrusions in the intestinal wall.
While diverticula often remain asymptomatic, individuals who are obese, smoke, are elderly, or have diverticula located in the sigmoid colon are at higher risk of developing diverticulitis – characterized by abdominal pain, fever, and perhaps gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and tomography scans. Mild cases can often be managed with a week of antibiotics and intravenous fluids. Though, as seen in this case, severe complications like perforation require immediate surgical intervention. It’s critically importent to note that colonoscopies are not recommended during the acute phase of diverticulitis.
Prevention is key
This case underscores the importance of a fiber-rich diet for maintaining digestive health. A lack of fiber contributes to the development of diverticula and increases the risk of complications. Individuals experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis should seek prompt medical attention.Mild diverticulitis may improve within 2-3 days of starting a clear liquid or low-fiber diet [[1]].
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