Diverticular disease

Diverticula are herniations or small pouches in the mucosal lining of the colon , most commonly affecting the descending and sigmoid colon ( Amerine , 2007 ; Marrs 2006 )

protrusion occurs in weak areas of the bowel through which blood vessels can penetrate ( see figure ) diverticula generally are multiple typically 5-10 mm in dia but can occasionally be up to 20 mm most common site is sigmoid colon ( 90 % ) , although can happen throughout the large bowel can also happen on right side result possibly from complex interaction of colon structure , intestinal motility , diet and genetic features

Distribution -Sigmoid involvement ( 95 % ) Sigmoid alone ( 65 % ) Entire colon ( 7 % ) Located near sigmoid ( but with a normal sigmoid ) in 4 %

Most frequent finding in colonoscopies done to r/o cancer Frequent in Western countries - affecting up to 50-66 % individuals aged > 80 Prevalence is increasing worldwide ( ↑↑es with urbanization ) Increases with age ( uncommon < 40 ) Exact incidence is difficult to ascertain as most patients are asymptomatic and studies are usually retrospective Clinically and economically - most significant disease...