Diversion colitis (DC) is a nonspecific inflammation and mucosal atrophy within the large intestine segment excluded from normal bowel passage after stoma formation. The pathogenesis of DC remains unclear, but its development is likely connected with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) deficiency in the intestinal lumen. The diagnosis is formulated based on clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings and a histopathological examination. Surgical restoration of the gastrointestinal tract continuity is the most effective, yet not always feasible, treatment method. Alternative (pharmacological) DC treatment includes infusions of SCFAs, mesalazine enemas and local glucocorticosteroids. However, evidence for the effective conservative treatment of DC has not been sufficiently documented. In chronic DC, an intestinal microbiota transfer procedure can be conducted experimentally. The objective of this paper is to provide a summary of the current state of knowledge on DC. The presented information and data on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of DC may contribute to a better understanding of this large intestine pathology very rarely accounted for in the Polish literature on the subject.

Key words: diversion colitis, diagnosis, treatment, short-chain fatty acids, intestinal microbiota.