Urgent Care Management of Diverticular Disease

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Delivery Method:	Online
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Publication Date: August 2025 (Volume 4, Number 8)

CME Credits: 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 4 ACEP Category I credits, 4 AAFP Prescribed credits, and 4 AOA Category 2-B CME credits. CME expires 08/01/2028.

Author

Peer Reviewer

Abstract

Diverticular disease encompasses a spectrum of gastrointestinal conditions (but primarily diverticulosis and diverticulitis), which together affect a large proportion of the adult population, particularly people aged >40 years. Effective diagnosis and management of diverticular disease are crucial to minimizing complications and improving patient outcomes. Advancements in diagnostic imaging and the development of more refined treatment strategies have made it possible to manage diverticulitis more effectively. This issue reviews colonic diverticular disease, exploring the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management in the urgent care setting. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based approaches, emerging trends in treatment, and the critical role of early intervention in preventing serious complications.

Case Presentations

A 50-year-old woman presents to the urgent care clinic with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant pain, low-grade fever, and nausea…

• She denies any significant changes in bowel habits but reports mild bloating.
• Her medical history is unremarkable. She denies recent travel or antibiotic use.
• On examination, she has stable vital signs, including a temperature of 100.4°F. Localized tenderness is noted in the left lower quadrant without rebound or guarding.
• You wonder whether any additional testing is needed…

A 68-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes and hypertension presents to urgent care with severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting that started 3 days ago…

• His symptoms have progressively worsened.
• On examination, he appears acutely ill, with a temperature of 101.5°F, and exhibits signs of peritonitis, including abdominal rigidity and guarding.
• You wonder if this patient should be hospitalized or advanced interventions are warranted…

A 42-year-old woman presents to urgent care with recurrent left lower quadrant pain, mild bloating, and constipation…

• She has a history of diverticulosis, diagnosed incidentally on colonoscopy 5 years ago.
• Vital signs are stable, and the physical examination is unremarkable.
• You consider the best course of action for managing her symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease and wonder whether any further interventions are necessary…

Accreditation:

EB Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.