diverticular disease of colon

• incidence: 5-10% in 5th decade; 50% past 7th decade; M:F = 1:1

• etiology: decreased fecal bulk; diet high in refined fiber and low in roughage

• location:
  • sigmoid (80%): narrowest colonic segment with highest pressure
  • entire colon (17%)
  • cecum/ascending colon (4-12%)

see also:

• prediverticular disease of colon
• colonic diverticulosis
• colonic diverticulitis
• colonic diverticular hemmorrhage

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18