recommended for those who have complicated diverticulitis after resolution of their symptoms. This is because an immediate reanastomosis can be performed.
GASTROENTERITIS Gastroenteritis represents some type of inflammation of the stomach, small and large intestinal linings. The majority of these will be infectious process, although drugs and toxins can lead to similar symptoms. Most of the causes will spread from the fecal-oral route, waterborne infectious organisms, or foodborne infectious organisms. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, vague abdominal pain, and diarrhea. This is usually a self-limited disease with fluid losses minimal and well-tolerated in the healthy person. It becomes more difficult and problematic for the very young or very old person, or in those who are immunosuppressed. The most common organisms are viruses, bacteria, or parasites. The most common virus infections of the GI tract are the norovirus and rotavirus infections. Viruses by themselves cause most cases of gastroenteritis. The viruses enter the enterocytes of the intestines, affecting carbohydrate absorption. The diarrhea will be watery without white blood cells or red blood cells in the feces. Norovirus is the main cause of gastroenteritis in adults but it can be seen in children as well. It is mainly seen in the winter months and is now more common in children because of rotavirus vaccinations given to babies. This can be a waterborne or foodborne infection and it is highly contagious in crowded facilities. It takes 24 to 48 hours before the symptoms become apparent. Rotavirus infections remain the most common infectious causes of gastroenteritis in young kids throughout the world but the incidence has dramatically decreased in the US because of vaccinations against the virus given to babies. It is highly contagious and passed through the fecal-oral route. It can also affect adults with an incubation period of 1 to 3 days. It is usually seen in the winter months. Less common causes of viral gastroenteritis include astrovirus, which is seen in all ages with a 3 to 4-day incubation period. Adenoviruses can also cause infectious diarrhea in
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