The Japanese Journal of Clinical Dialysis Vol.22 No.8(9)

Theme Diseases of Alimentary Tract in Maintenance Dialysis Patients
Title Colonic diverticulitis in HD patients
Publish Date 2006/07
Author Kinichi Takeda Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya Kyoritsu Hospital
[ Summary ] Diverticulum of the colon is often observed in elderly males. Hemodialysis patients display the same tendency. The major cause of diverticulum is increased inner pressure in the colon. Therefore, dietetic treatment or medication, such as purgatives, is important to prevent constipation.
The prognosis for diverticulitis is generally good, but sometimes leads to more negative outcomes. Early diagnosis is important and abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography are useful for conditions other than clinical symptoms. It is necessary to be familiar with the characteristic of images of diverticulitis. However, we must not forget that surgical indications must be considered at the appropriate times, such as when perforations, abscesses, and other chronic conditions are present.
back