gastrointestinal disorders
Diverticular Disease of the Stomach and Small Bowel
Key Points
Diverticula rarely involve the stomach but are common in the duodenum and small bowel. Most diverticula are asymptomatic and are detected incidentally. Complications include bleeding, perforation, and malabsorption resulting from bacterial overgrowth. Asymptomatic diverticula require no treatment. Be cautious about recommending surgery for patients who have a diverticulum and vague gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, dyspepsia). 