Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

Diverticular Disease is the occurrence of sacs of pouches in the wall of the colon. Most diverticulae occur in the sigmoid and descending colon. This disorder occurs frequently in older patients and in countries which have replaced dietary fiber with refined carbohydrates.

Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic. Patients may present with abdominal pain, fever, tenderness, constipation or bleeding associated with inflammation of one or more diverticulae. This condition is then referred to as diverticulitis.

Once diverticula occur they cannot be cured. High iber diet helps to prevent inflammation and constipation that may lead to diverticulitis. Persistent inflammation and bleeding may require surgical intervention.

	Diverticulosis
Stool impacted in Diverticula can cause mucosal damage and inflammation.

	Early inflammation with edema and narrowing
	Early inflammation with edema and narrowing
	Edema and narrowing
Bleeding associated with Diverticulosis

From:  Endoscopy: " An Insiders Look" by Krista M. Stayton, RN.  Used with permission.