K57: Diverticular disease of intestine

K57.2: Diverticular disease of large intestine with perforation and abscess

Diverticular disease of the large intestine with perforation and abscess is a specific condition where small pouches, or diverticula, formed in the large intestine (or colon), become inflamed or infected and rupture. This condition is part of a broader family of disorders known as diverticular diseases. The perforation means there's a hole in the colon, and abscess refers to a pocket of pus that's formed due to infection. This situation often leads to acute abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel movements. Sometimes, it causes significant complications such as sepsis, an infection which can spread throughout the body and may be life-threatening. This condition most commonly affects the lower part of the colon, and the likelihood of developing this disorder increases with age. Although it's not entirely clear what causes it, low-fiber diet, obesity, and lack of exercise have been linked with a higher risk of developing diverticular disease.