What should you know about diverticulitis microperforation?

Diverticulitis occurs when a pouch in the large intestine becomes inflamed. A microperforation is a small breach that may allow a limited amount of bowel contents or air to escape near the intestine. The body can sometimes contain this locally, but it can also progress to a larger collection or widespread abdominal infection. Imaging, often a CT scan, helps clinicians judge the location and extent.

The condition itself commonly presents with lower abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, nausea, or a change in bowel habit. These symptoms can overlap with other problems, so the finding should be interpreted alongside an examination and scan.

Arrange urgent clinical assessment rather than trying to manage a suspected microperforation at home. Treatment may involve hospital observation, fluids through a vein, pain relief, and antibiotics when infection is suspected. You may be asked to pause solid food while the team assesses your bowel; any change back to eating should follow their advice.

Do not take laxatives or anti-inflammatory pain medicines without checking first, particularly if you are vomiting, dehydrated, or have kidney, stomach, or bleeding problems. A GP consultation can help with follow-up after the acute episode. Nutrition advice is usually individualised as symptoms settle.

Seek emergency care for worsening or constant abdominal pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or a high temperature with chills. Passing very little urine or being unable to keep fluids down can signal dehydration. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have recently been told that a perforation is present and your symptoms are deteriorating.

Ask where the leak is, whether it is contained, what the scan showed, which medicines are planned, and how you will be monitored. Clarify which symptoms should send you back to hospital and when bowel and nutrition follow-up is appropriate.