ABSTRACT

Diverticular disease is common in the Western world but is extremely rare in areas such as Asia and Africa. Diverticular disease increases with age. Diverticulosis is the presence of multiple diverticula in the colon, probably resulting from a lifelong low-fiber diet. It is uncommon before the age of forty, and is seen in more than fifty percent of people over the age of sixty in the United States. Whereas most patients with diverticular disease have no or few symptoms, some patients will develop bleeding, infection (diverticulitis), constipation, abdominal cramps, and even colon obstruction. Diagnosis is by colonoscopy or barium enema. Treatment varies depending on presentation.