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What is a diverticulum?

A diverticulum is the name given to a small bulge or pouch that occurs on the wall of the large bowel (colon). These bulges develop over a period of years and are increasingly common with advancing age. Typically, the left side of the colon is involved - although any part of the colon can be affected.

 

 

 

What is diverticular disease?

Approximately half the population in the UK who are aged over 70 years will have multiple bulges in the bowel; this is called diverticular disease. The condition can also affect young people.

 

 

 

What causes diverticular disease?

Diverticular disease is thought to be caused by extra pressure in the bowel; pouches form at 'weak points' and can become permanent. The increased pressure can arise as a result of a lack of fibre in the diet.

 

 

 

What are the complications of diverticular disease?

For most people, diverticular disease causes no symptoms. However, it can lead to a variety of complications:

(a) Day-to-day problems, which are usually treatable by simple measures:

• Constipation.
  
  

• Colicky discomfort, especially on the left side of the abdomen.
  
  

• Distension.
  
  

• Occasionally, a narrowing of the bowel and partial blockage.

(b) Sudden onset, which can sometimes require surgery:

• Inflammation (diverticulitis).
  
  

• Abscess formation, sometimes leading to an abnormal connection of the bowel to the bladder.
  
  

• Perforation of a diverticulum.
  
  

• Severe bleeding.

 

 

How is diverticular disease diagnosed?

The diverticula can be detected either by a barium enema X-ray of the bowel, or on examining the bowel with a flexible telescope called a colonoscope.

 

 

 

What is the treatment for diverticular disease?

Diverticular disease does not 'go away', but most patients will remain free of major symptoms with the help of the following treatments:

• Having a high-fibre diet.
  
  

• Drinking plenty of water: at least 6–10 glasses daily.
  
  

• Taking fibre supplements (prescribed by your doctor).
  
  

• Taking some tablets to relieve bowel spasm and reduce discomfort.

For patients experiencing severe new symptoms (eg pain, fever or bleeding), hospital admission might be necessary.

 

 

 

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