Diverticulosis affects both males as well as females, usually above 60 years of age. The sigmoid colon or the last part of the large intestine just before the rectum is commonly affected in the Western population. However, the right
Diverticulosis affects both males as well as females, usually above 60 years of age. The sigmoid colon or the last part of the large intestine just before the rectum is commonly affected in the Western population. However, the right side of the colon is more commonly affected in Asians.
Conditions that increase a personís risk to develop diverticular disease are:
- Diet low in fiber, high in fat and red meats: A westernized diet with low fiber and high fat is particularly notorious in causing diverticulosis
- Obesity increases the chances of developing diverticulosis especially in young individuals
Diverticulosis may cause blood in stools. The bleeding usually stops on its own without any treatment.
Uncomplicated diverticulitis may cause symptoms like fever, pain in abdomen, severe constipation or loss of appetite. The patient may suffer from complications like perforation, abscess, stricture or fistula formation.
Diverticulosis may also affect the small intestine, though less commonly than the large intestine. Among small bowel diverticula, a true diverticulum called the Meckelís diverticulum is most common. It occurs due to a developmental abnormality in the fetus. It may result in complications like bleeding, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcer and rarely tumor formation.
Diverticulosis is diagnosed using colonoscopy and mesenteric angiography. Diverticulitis is diagnosed with the help of CT scan.
Latest Publications and Research on Diverticulosis and DiverticulitisThe sigmoid diverticulitis. - Published by PubMed
Invaginated Meckel's Diverticulum: A Rare Cause of Small Intestine Intussusception in Adults. - Published by PubMed
Intussusception secondary to a meckel diverticulum in an adolescent. - Published by PubMed
Increased Risk for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Following Acute Diverticulitis. - Published by PubMed
[Sigmoido-buttock fistula by diverticulitis: report of a rare complication]. - Published by PubMed