These high pressures cause bulging to occur in certain weak spots of the colon, where blood vessels enter the wall from the outside. Diverticuli do not empty well. Feces can be trapped in these sacs and then become infected, causing inflammation. This causes pain, irritation and scarring. It causes pain or tenderness to the touch.
Doctors give antibiotics by vein in the hospital if the pain, tenderness and swelling are severe.
Swelling can cause blockage of the colon. Infected diverticuli can rupture. Such a condition requires surgery. Doctors recommend surgery after two attacks of diverticulitis requiring hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics. The operation is done through an abdominal incision and twelve to eighteen inches of the colon are removed.