Patient Info

DIVERTICULOSIS

A diverticulum is a sac-like protrusion that forms in the muscular wall of the colon.
Diverticular disease is a common problem in western world that affects men and women equally.

CAUSES
 
Environmental and lifestyle factors may have a role in the development of diverticular disease . High wall tension secondary to low fiber diet  is thought to increase the risk of developing diverticula.
High fiber diet increases stool bulk and  thereby decreases the tension in the wall of the colon.

COMPLICATIONS

Diverticulitis  ( 15 to 25% )
Diverticular bleeding ( 5 to 15 % )
SYMPTOMS
Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms and will remain symptom free for the rest of their lives.
The symptoms of diverticulitis  include pain in the lower abdomen, fever and urinary symptoms. Most cases resolve with antibiotics but about 25% will need surgery for abscess, fistula , sepsis.
Diverticular bleeding usually causes painless bleeding from the rectum.
DIAGNOSIS 
Diverticulosis is often found during tests performed for other reasons, such as routine screening for colon cancer or imaging studies such as CT scans done for evaluation of abdominal pain or rectal bleeding.

TREATMENT

Diverticulosis 
Most patients have no  symptoms and  do not require specific treatment.
Fiber supplements, can help to bulk the stools and possibly prevent the development of new diverticula, diverticulitis, or diverticular bleeding. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of fiber and can be particularly helpful in preventing and/or treating.

In the past patients with diverticular disease were advised to avoid whole pieces of fiber (seeds, and nuts) because of concern that the undigested  nuts  could become lodged within a diverticulum, causing inflammation or bleeding.  Currently most gastroenterologists do not subscribe to this view.

For more information , please see

      www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html
      www.niddk.nih.gov/
      www.cdc.gov/
      www.gastro.org
      www.acg.gi.org