2. Diverticular disease refer is the bulging
pouch like herniations ( diverticula) in
the GI wall push the mucosal lining
through the surrounding muscle.The
most common site for diverticula is the
sigmoid colon, but they may develop
anywhere, from the proximal end of the
pharynx to the anus.
3. Other typical sites are the
duodenum near the pancreatic
borderor the ampulla of vater
and the jejunum.
4. Diverticular disease has two
clinical forms, DIVERTICULOSIS
and DIVERTICULITIS
Diverticulosis is the presence of
non inflamed diverticula.
Diverculitis is the inflammation
of the diverticulum.
5. Causes
Caused by increased pressure within the
lumen of the colon. Increased intra-
colonic pressure secondary to
constipation may lead to weaknesses in
the colon walls giving way to diverticula
colonic spasm which increases pressure,
which may be due to dehydration or
low-fiber diet
6. Signs and symptoms
Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic
but may cause the following symptoms:
Recurrent left lower abdominal
quadrant pain relieved by defacation or
passage of flatus.
Alternating constipation and diarrhea
Difficult defacation
7. Medical management
Asymptomatic diverticular disease
requires no specific therapy other
than diet modification. Mild disease
can be treated by adherence to a
high fiber diet and prevention of
constipation with bran and bulk
laxatives.
