Key points summary

• Diverticulosis is the formation of pouches that bulge outwards from the colon at natural weak points in the bowel wall.
• Diverticulosis is largely a condition of the colon affecting the descending and sigmoid colon.
• The risk of diverticula formation increases with age, with it being present in 50 per cent of 50 year olds.
• Lack of dietary fibre is thought to be the biggest risk factor for diverticulosis.
• Only 25 per cent patients will have symptoms from diverticulosis and this is called diverticular disease.
• The serious complications of diverticular disease include severe bleeding, abscess and fistula formation, peritonitis and perforation.
• The mainstay of treatment of complications includes antibiotics, fluids, painkillers, bowel rest and surgery to remove the affected colon.