gastrointestinal disorders
Colonic Diverticulosis
Key Points
Colonic diverticula are saclike mucosal pouches that protrude from the colon. Diverticulosis is increasingly common with age; it is present in about 75% of people > 80 years. Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic, but about 20% of patients develop symptoms and/or complications, including inflammation ( Colonic Diverticulitis ) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Asymptomatic diverticulosis requires no treatment. Diverticular bleeding stops spontaneously in about 75% of patients; control the remainder during colonoscopy or angiography, or rarely with surgery. 