Diverticular disease

Diverticulum [pathology]

Outpouching of colonic wall which results from herniation of mucosa through muscular wall

  1. Occur at sites where mesenteric vessles penetrate bowel wall
  2. Lage of dietary fibre in western diets results in low stool bulk which stimulates increased segmentation of colonic musculature, resulting in hypertophy
  3. Increased intraluminal pressure results in herniation

Complications of diverticular disease

  1. Haemorrhage
  2. Inflammation - diverticulitis
  3. Obstruction from diverticular stricture
  4. Fistulation to bladder, vagina or skin
    • Pneumaturia
    • Faecaluria
    • Chronic urinary tract infections
  5. Perforation
  6. Pericolic or pelvic abscess