title: Managing the complications of diverticular disease.
abstract: This article provides an update on diverticular disease and its complications, focusing on the physical and psychological considerations in the nursing management of the disease. To illuminate the topic a case study is presented describing a patient who underwent Hartmann's procedure with temporary end colostomy. The patient subsequently developed three abscesses and a complex fistula around the stoma. Nursing care and the optimum interventions to preserve skin integrity during such complications are discussed. The article concludes with a summary of key facts regarding diverticular disease, abscess and fistula.
authors.affiliation: Colorectal Nursing Service, Walsall NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sidebotham
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D001458:Bandages; D003125:Colostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012944:Social Support