Uncomplicated diverticulitis
Many selected patients can be treated as outpatients, without admission, and some cases do not even need antibiotics.
Reviewed by Dr. Patricia Tejedor · Updated: October 23, 2026
Coloproctology Madrid
Diverticulitis: diagnosis and treatment in Madrid
Diverticulitis does not always require admission, antibiotics or surgery. What it does need is an accurate diagnosis to tell a mild episode from a serious one.
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Clinical summary
Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more diverticula of the colon. It usually causes pain in the lower left abdomen and fever. A contrast CT scan confirms the diagnosis and separates uncomplicated cases, more than 80%, from those with an abscess, perforation or peritonitis. Treatment depends on that distinction.
Diverticula and diverticulitis are not the same
Having diverticula in the colon is common and generally causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis happens when one or more of those diverticula become inflamed. An episode of diverticulitis needs medical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and rule out complications.
Symptoms and when to see a doctor
The most common is abdominal pain, usually in the lower left side, with fever and feeling unwell. Sometimes there are also changes in bowel habits.
Severe or increasing pain, fever that does not go down, vomiting, a swollen abdomen or a worsening general condition need medical assessment without delay.
How it is diagnosed
The assessment combines the medical history, examination and blood tests. The test of choice is a contrast-enhanced CT scan, which confirms diverticulitis and separates uncomplicated cases from those with an abscess, perforation or peritonitis.
That difference decides the treatment and also where it is safest to have it: at home or in hospital.
Personalized treatment
More than 80% of episodes have no complications.
Complicated diverticulitis
It may require antibiotics, admission, radiological drainage of an abscess or surgery, depending on the case.
When surgery is needed
If conservative treatment fails or generalized peritonitis develops, the source of infection has to be controlled surgically. Whenever the situation allows, we consider minimally invasive techniques and strategies that reduce the likelihood of a permanent stoma.
Follow-up after the episode
After recovery we decide individually whether a colonoscopy is needed. It is especially indicated after complicated diverticulitis, and may also be recommended if symptoms persist, there is a family history, in older patients or if there is no recent endoscopy. Colonoscopy helps rule out other colon conditions, such as colon cancer.
If episodes keep coming back or fistulas or strictures appear, we study them to see whether planned surgery is indicated.
Our team
Who will see you
Dr. Patricia Tejedor
Colorectal surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Patricia TejedorColorectal surgeon with a focus on diverticular disease and minimally invasive surgery. She sees patients at Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón, in Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid).
Frequently asked questions about diverticulitis
Is having diverticula the same as having diverticulitis?
No. Diverticula are common and generally cause no symptoms. Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more of them, and an episode needs medical assessment.
Is diverticulitis always treated with antibiotics?
Not always. More than 80% of episodes have no complications, many selected patients are treated without admission and some cases do not need antibiotics. The CT scan is what allows that decision.
When should I go to the emergency department?
If the abdominal pain is severe or getting worse, the fever does not go down, there is vomiting, the abdomen swells or you feel increasingly unwell.
Will I need surgery?
Most episodes are not operated on. Emergency surgery is considered if conservative treatment fails or there is generalized peritonitis, and planned surgery if episodes keep returning or fistulas or strictures appear.
If I have surgery, will I need a stoma bag?
Not necessarily. Whenever the clinical situation allows, we consider minimally invasive techniques and strategies that reduce the likelihood of a permanent stoma.
Will I need a colonoscopy afterwards?
It is decided case by case. It is especially indicated after complicated diverticulitis and may be recommended if symptoms persist, there is a family history, in older patients or if you have no recent endoscopy.
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