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Current knowledge of diverticular disease of the colon

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Abstract

Diverticular disease of the colon is a problem common to Western man. Abnormal thickening of the colonic muscle resulting in segments of increased intraluminal pressure appears to be the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism in the production of diverticula. Diverticulosis is usually an asymptomatic condition. Maintenance of an ideal body weight, a nutritious high residue diet, avoidance of constipation and bowel irritants and occasional use of antispasmodics with sedatives may help prevent symptoms. The complications of diverticulitis—ie, obstruction, chronic blood loss, perforation and fistula, occur in approximately one-half of patients with diverticula. Fifty percent of patients with diverticulitis have one attack responding to rest, diet, antispasmodics and antibiotics. Repeated attacks of diverticulitis may lead to other complications, and surgical management with colostomy, segmental resection or colon myotomy may become necessary.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 950 East 59th Street, 60637, Chicago, Ill

    Phillip M. Berman MD & Joseph B. Kirsner Md, PhD

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  1. Phillip M. Berman MD
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  2. Joseph B. Kirsner Md, PhD
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Berman, P.M., Kirsner, J.B. Current knowledge of diverticular disease of the colon. Digest Dis Sci 17, 741–759 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231648

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