[Summary of the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG) practice guideline on 'Diverticulitis'].

The NHG practice guideline on 'Diverticulitis' provides general practitioners with directions on the diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is primarily a clinical diagnosis which can be supported by assessment of CRP. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is strongly suspected if the patient reports the development of persistent sharp, stabbing pain in the lower left abdomen within a couple of days; if there is pressure or rebound tenderness only in the lower left abdomen; and if there are no alarm signals. Alarm signals of complicated diverticulitis are: guarded muscle response, signs of intestinal obstruction, locally palpable resistance, rectal loss of blood, hypotension, and high fever. The policy for uncomplicated diverticulitis is waiting without specific measures, provided that the general practitioner monitors the course actively. There is no indication for antibiotics in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis. Patients with signs of complicated diverticulitis or with persisting symptoms should be referred.