Diverticular Disease

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Diverticulitis

Diverticular disease (also know as diverticulosis) is an outpouching of the bowel wall. 

It is common in Western societies and becomes more common with increasing age.  Diverticular disease most commonly occurs in the colon (large bowel).  It can also occur in the small bowel, although this is less common.

In most instances, diverticular disease does not cause any symptoms.

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What causes diverticular disease?

Diverticular disease is thought to be cause by a diet that is low in fiber.  This results in a harder stool consistency, which puts pressure on the bowel wall.  This higher pressure produces the outpouchings.

In some instances, diverticular disease can occur with a family or ethnic predisposition.

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What is diverticulitis?

In some instances, infection can occur from diverticular disease.  This is diverticulitis. The severity of diverticulitis can range from mild to severe.

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What other conditions can occur with diverticular disease?

Other conditions that can occur from diverticular disease include:

·         Bleeding from the bowel

·         Stricture – a fixed narrowing of the bowel

·         Fistula – an abnormal communication between diverticular disease and another organ

These are all uncommon.

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How is diverticular disease diagnosed?

Most commonly, diverticular disease is diagnosed when a person undergoes a colonoscopy. 

Diverticular disease can sometimes be seen on a CT scan of the abdomen.

Learn about Colonoscopy
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How is diverticular disease treated?

Patients with diverticular disease, but without any symptoms from it, do not require any treatment.  A high fibre diet is recommended to prevent the formation of new diverticulae.

Patients who develop symptoms from diverticular disease, such as those described above, may require treatment, including surgery. 

Dr Zhu has extensive experience in the treatment of diverticular disease.  Dr Zhu can assess your symptoms and recommend a personalized treatment plan.