Who will be involved in my care?

• GPs: manage mild cases of diverticular disease and diverticulitis in the community. They may also arrange for you to be admitted into hospital if things aren’t improving or if you have signs of complications. They will be able to refer you to a specialist if needed.
• Colorectal or general surgeon: manage patients who have severe attacks of diverticulitis requiring admission, complications of diverticular disease and those needing surgery.
• Gastroenterologist: may be involved if there is doubt about the diagnosis of diverticular disease, or in cases of persistent, severe bleeding requiring endoscopic evaluation (flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy) to further investigate the bleeding.
• Stoma nurse: if the decision is made that you will require a stoma bag, the stoma nurse will provide support and show you how to care for your stoma.
• Radiologists: they are trained in performing and interpreting various X-rays and scans. Some radiologists may be expertly trained in performing X-ray-guided drainage of abscesses and embolisation of bleeding vessels.
• Microbiologists: specialise in the study of microorganisms such as bacteria and provide advice about antibiotics.
• Dietitian: will be able to give you guidance about your diet and introducing a high-fibre diet.