Diverticulosis/ Diverticulitis - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Colonoscopy is often used to diagnose diverticulosis; however, it should not be used when the patient is suffering from diverticulitis.

The following tests are used to diagnose diverticular disease

• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a procedure wherein a tube is introduced through the anus and the inner lining of the intestines is visualized. Colonoscopy should not be done in cases of diverticulitis. Endoscopy may be performed in small bowel disease
• Mesenteric angiography: In mesenteric angiography, a dye is introduced into the blood, and the flow in the intestinal arteries is studied. Using this procedure, the bleeding point is identified and can be treated
• CT scan: Diverticulitis is diagnosed with the help of CT scan of the abdomen.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may show an increase in the number of white blood cells in a patient suffering from diverticulitis