Fistula due to Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a development of diverticulosis, a condition where small pouches form in the wall or lining of the colon, a part of the large intestine. Diverticulosis can cause abdominal pain and bloating as well as problems with bowel movements. If one or more of these 'pouches' becomes inflamed, it has deteriorated to diverticulitis.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a development of diverticulosis, a condition where small pouches form in the wall or lining of the colon, a part of the large intestine. Diverticulosis can cause abdominal pain and bloating as well as problems with bowel movements. If one or more of these 'pouches' becomes inflamed, it has deteriorated to diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to avoid the development of further serious complications such as a perforated bowel and sepsis.
How can diverticulitis cause a fistula?
One of the possible complications of diverticulitis is the development of a fistula between two parts of the body which would not normally be connected. This may be a passage between the bowel and the bladder or the bowel and the vagina but could affect other areas, too.
A fistula can develop when infected tissue sticks to other tissue.
If a fistula develops it is likely to need a surgical repair before unpleasant symptoms develop and the abdomen becomes affected by bacteria leaking for the bowel.
What problems are caused by a fistula?
A fistula will allow waste matter to escape from the bowel. This can lead to leakage via the vagina in the case of women. It can also lead to peritonitis, blood-poisoning and sepsis if bacteria enter the abdominal cavity.
How can this be prevented?
Identifying when a patient with diverticulosis has developed diverticulitis is very important in order to avoid complications such as the development of a fistula.
Whereas someone with diverticulosis may experience bloating and constipation or diarrhoea, if their condition deteriorates to diverticulitis, they are likely to develop additional symptoms such as a high temperature, nausea and vomiting.
It may be possible to treat a mild case of diverticulitis with antibiotics at home but where there is any concern regarding the patient's likelihood of developing further complications, it may be necessary to be treated and monitored in hospital. You can then be given intravenous antibiotics and life-support if necessary.
If a fistula has developed you are likely to need surgery to remove the affected area of the bowel.
Medical Negligence
Diverticulitis is a painful illness which can cause more serious health problems if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly. If further complications develop such as a fistula or a perforated bowel, immediate treatment is necessary.
If you have suffered the long-term effects of undiagnosed diverticulitis, you may wish to consider making a claim for a substandard level of medical care.
Speak to Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence.
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