Uncomplicated diverticulitis is typically managed with which approach in stable patients?

Uncomplicated diverticulitis is typically managed with which approach in stable patients?

• A. Outpatient oral antibiotics and bowel rest
• B. IV antibiotics and hospitalization
• C. Surgical resection
• D. Observation only

Answer: (A)

Uncomplicated diverticulitis in a stable patient is managed conservatively as an outpatient. The illness is inflammatory, without abscess, perforation, obstruction, or systemic instability, so you don’t need IV therapy or surgery. Treat with bowel rest and oral antibiotics that cover both anaerobes and Gram-negative bacteria, and allow progression of diet as symptoms improve. This approach reduces hospital stays and is appropriate when the patient remains afebrile, hemodynamically stable, and able to tolerate oral intake. Reserve IV antibiotics and hospital admission for complicated disease or if the patient cannot tolerate oral therapy, and reserve surgical resection for recurrent or complicated cases. Observation alone without treatment wouldn’t address the inflammation and could allow progression.

Uncomplicated diverticulitis in a stable patient is managed conservatively as an outpatient. The illness is inflammatory, without abscess, perforation, obstruction, or systemic instability, so you don’t need IV therapy or surgery. Treat with bowel rest and oral antibiotics that cover both anaerobes and Gram-negative bacteria, and allow progression of diet as symptoms improve. This approach reduces hospital stays and is appropriate when the patient remains afebrile, hemodynamically stable, and able to tolerate oral intake. Reserve IV antibiotics and hospital admission for complicated disease or if the patient cannot tolerate oral therapy, and reserve surgical resection for recurrent or complicated cases. Observation alone without treatment wouldn’t address the inflammation and could allow progression.