Prognosis and duration of disabling effects

People with recurrent symptoms of abdominal pain and changes of bowel habit are usually able to manage their condition with attention to diet and medication.

!0 – 25% may develop episodes of acute diverticulitis, and it is not known why this happens in some rather than others. Acute diverticulitis usually responds to treatment with fluids, antibiotics and analgesics within a few days or a week.

After an initial attack the yearly risk of having another episode is 3%. About 50% of recurrences occur within a year and 90% in five years. However people with symptomatic disease and people who experience episodes of acute inflammation are unlikely to have adverse outcomes and can lead a normal life style without undue restriction.

Following surgery for complications most people make a good recovery after some weeks or months. Those who require extensive surgery or more than one operation may take longer to recover fully.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended April 2008