Describe the management of symptomatic but uncomplicated diverticulosis. His past medical history is remarkable for cholecystectomy 7 years ago and an uncomplicated MI in 1961. His only other medical problem is mild obesity. He stopped smoking at age 40 and drinks only occasionally. He takes no medications at the present time.
Physical exam reveals a slightly overweight, white male in moderate distress.
His physical exam is unremarkable except for a soft abdomen with localized tenderness in the left lower quadrant, mild guarding, but no peritoneal signs. The stool is guaiac negative. BUN, creatinine and electrolytes are normal. Forty-eight hours after admission, the patient continues to complain of left lower quadrant pain and examination now reveals a tender mass in the left lower quadrant. For each of the following cases, suggest a plan for evaluation and treatment.