Diverticulitis in the immunocompromised patient

Diverticulitis in immunocompromised patients is of special clinical importance because these patients experience a higher rate of morbidity and mortality than the general population due to diverticulitis. Immunocompromised patients tend to present later than the general population and may have less impressive findings on physical exam and CT scan. They are more likely to fail non-operative management and have more complications after emergent surgery. Just like in immunocompetent patients, the decision to pursue elective colectomy after diverticulitis is individualized to the patient's risk of surgery, co-morbidities, effect on lifestyle, chronic symptoms, or severity of attacks.