Diverticular Disease Explained: Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis

8. Complications

If the infection spreads beyond the colon wall, an abscess occurs, and the person gets very sick. An abscess is a large collection of pus that, in most cases, must be drained by a radiologist or surgeon. In severe cases, a person will require and a colostomy. Another such complication is that a fistula—an abnormal tunnel between two organs—may form. In the case of diverticulitis, fistulas occasionally form between the colon and the bladder or vagina. Intestinal obstruction is also possible.