divertikuloosin

Divertikuloosin, commonly referred to as diverticulosis or diverticular disease, is the presence of diverticula in the colon. Diverticula are small, pouch-like outgrowths that protrude through weak spots in the colonic wall. In the colon, most diverticula are false diverticula, containing mucosa and submucosa but lacking all layers of the bowel wall. The sigmoid colon is the most commonly affected segment. The condition is frequently asymptomatic and is often discovered incidentally during colonoscopy or imaging performed for other reasons.

Risk factors include aging, a historically low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, and certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The exact cause is not fully understood, but increased intraluminal pressure and localized weaknesses in the colon wall are thought to contribute.

Most individuals with diverticulosis have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are typically mild and nonspecific, such as episodic abdominal discomfort, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. A small subset experiences painless rectal bleeding from diverticular vessels. If diverticula become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis, which usually presents with left lower abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis; diagnosis is commonly made by CT.

Management depends on symptoms and complications. Asymptomatic diverticulosis requires no specific treatment beyond general healthy lifestyle measures, including a high-fiber diet and regular exercise. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is usually managed with rest, analgesia, and antibiotics where appropriate; severe or complicated cases may require hospitalization or surgery. Diverticular bleeding may require endoscopic or surgical intervention.

Prognosis is generally favorable with appropriate care. Prevention emphasizes dietary fiber, weight management, and avoidance of unnecessary NSAID use to reduce the risk of progression and bleeding.