Diverticular Disease

What is diverticular disease?

Diverticular disease is a benign (non-cancerous) condition of the large intestine. It is commonly known as “pockets” that form on the large bowel. These pockets are known as diverticula and they form due to weakness in the colonic wall and increased luminal pressure from straining to pass stools.

Diverticulae most commonly occur in the sigmoid colon on the left side of the abdomen however can also occur on the right side involving the ascending colon.

What are the symptoms of diverticular disease?

Majority of patients with diverticular disease have no symptoms. However, at times, it may be associated with mild discomfort in the affected segment of colon and also with a feeling of incomplete defecation.

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulae when obstructed with faeces/faecolith becomes inflamed and cause pain, this is termed diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is classified as simple or complicated. Complicated diverticulitis includes abscess formation, fistula formation to the bladder or vagina or perforation leading to peritonitis. Diverticulae because of the presence of superficial blood vessels are prone to bleeding. Diverticular bleeding often resolves spontaneously but at times if the bleeding is brisk and profuse angiographic techniques to coil the feeding vessel is necessary. 

How is diverticular disease diagnosed?

Diverticular disease is readily diagnosed by colonoscopy or CT scan.

How is diverticular disease treated?

Treatment of diverticular disease with mild symptoms includes a high fibre diet and aperients to prevent constipation. In patients who suffer recurrent symptoms or have complicated diverticulitis, A/Prof Terence Chua provides consultation to carefully elucidate the symptoms and provides a care plan that involves a multifaceted approach with surgical resection being indicated in selected patients.