What is Diverticular disease?
Diverticular disease is a condition of the large bowel (colon) in which abnormal sac-like, out-pouchings develop in the wall of the colon. The pouches are also called diverticular sacs or diverticula. An alternative name for the disorder is diverticulosis.
The pouches or sacs occur at a point of weakness in the gut wall and the prevalence increases with age. They are mostly found in the final part of the large bowel (the descending and sigmoid colon) and vary in size from 3 millimetres to 3 centimetres. An individual may have just a few or several hundred diverticula. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but many authorities consider that it is due to a Western style diet with high fat, refined foods and low fibre intake plus an association with constipation. Obesity is a predisposing factor.
The term diverticulitis refers to the development of inflammation of diverticula; this is the commonest complication of the condition.
Diagram of large intestine
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Amended April 2008
