Pocketing outward from the colon (large intestine) wall is called diverticulum. A large number of these is also called divericulosis. In a study conducted by us, this condition was detected in 15% of people who underwent colonoscopy, and it was observed that diverticulosis increased with age and was more common in men. Diveticulosis was found in 40% of people over 70 years of age.
Diverticula are considered to be weak spots due to the increase in pressure in the colon. It is more common in advanced age, as aging weakens the colon wall. Although they are common, they do not cause a complaint in most patients. It causes two main disorders, the first is bleeding and the other is the inflammation of the diverticulum, that is, the development of diverticulitis.
What are the facilitating factors, can they be prevented?
It is believed that the diverticula develop as a result of the increase in pressure in the colon as a ballooning outward from weak points. Constipation is thought to be the most important factor causing an increase in pressure in the colon. Excessive straining on the toilet due to constipation facilitates the increase in intestinal pressure. For this reason, the first thing to be recommended for a person diagnosed with diverticulosis is to relieve constipation.
What are the complaints, how often do they happen?
Most patients with diverticulosis have no complaints. Some patients may experience constipation, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and bloating. However, these complaints are mostly related to irritable bowel syndrome seen in these patients rather than diverticulum. The main complaints that can be seen specific to diverticulosis are bleeding and diverticulitis.
Bleeding is a rare condition. It occurs in less than 5% of patients with diverticulosis. Colonoscopic examination should be performed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes of bleeding. Bleeding often stops spontaneously and rarely requires blood transfusion. If the bleeding does not stop spontaneously or cannot be stopped endoscopically, surgical intervention may be required.
Diverticulitis, ie inflammation of the diverticulum, can be seen in 10-20% of patients with diverticulosis. It manifests itself with abdominal pain and fever. It is usually easily treated with antibiotics. Rarely, the disease may progress severely, abscess may develop, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. However, this is very rare.
