Diverticulosis is a common condition in patients over the age of 50. Approximately 50 percent of the population over the age of 50 have diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is a condition in which small outpouchings of the colon wall develop through time. Several theories are present regarding the development of diverticulosis. The most common theory is one of low fiber. Increasing in the fiber in a patient's diet is a mainstay of treating diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is usually painless. Rarely does diverticulosis cause pain. Diverticulosis has two main complications. These are 1) diverticular bleeding and 2) diverticulitis.
Diverticular bleeding occurs when blood vessels that line the colon become eroded and subsequently bleed. Large amounts of bright red blood may be seen in the toilet bowl. Although these episodes are usually self-limited and painless, patients who have bright red blood per rectum should be evaluated by their gastroenterologist or primary care physician.
Diverticulitis occurs when a diverticula becomes infected. Diverticulitis does cause pain, usually in the left lower abdomen. Usually, patients have irregular bowel habits as well as a low-grade flavor fever and pain in the left lower abdomen. Most cases of diverticulitis resolve with simple outpatient antibiotic treatment. However, some patients may require hospitalization for further evaluation and treatment. Complications of diverticulitis include perforation and formation of an abscess. Both of these conditions usually require surgical intervention.
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