To
understand diverticulosis, it is helpful to know about the anatomy and
function of the intestine. The small intestine is the long, thin segment
of bowel that begins at the stomach and ends at the large intestine or
colon. The colon starts in the right lower abdomen and forms a large question
mark across the entire abdomen ending in the rectum. Just above the rectum
is the sigmoid (S-shaped) part of the colon. Liquid stool enters the right
colon and, as it moves through the colon, is dehydrated so that a formed
stool eventually enters the rectum.
The Sigmoid Colon
The sigmoid colon has the specialized job of contracting vigorously to
maintain a high pressure. This action regulates the movement of stool
into the rectum. And since the sigmoid is a high pressure part of the
colon, it is here that most diverticuli occur.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis means that there are pockets or projections extending out
from the colon. These occur very gradually over a long period of time.
They occur along the natural weak points in the bowel wall.
The pockets develop because of the pressure exerted within by the contracting colon. As noted earlier, since the sigmoid colon has the highest pressure in the colon, it is here that most diverticuli occur. Because of these balloon-like projections, the sigmoid often becomes thickened and narrowed. When this happens, significant changes in the bowel function can occur, such as discomfort, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
Who Gets Diverticulosis?
Since it takes so long to develop, diverticulosis usually appears later
in life. However, it is not uncommon to see this occur in people who are
in their 30s. Eventually the colon, especially the sigmoid colon, becomes
studded with these pockets. The disorder is mostly one of Western society.
It is uncommon in rural Africa and India. The diet in these areas consists
of unprocessed foods and grains with a very high fiber content. So, increased
fiber ingestion may have great benefit.
Symtoms of Diverticulosis
As diverticuli form, few symptoms are noticeable, except perhaps for intermittent
spastic discomfort in the left lower abdomen. Usually, there are no symptoms
at all.
When
diverticulosis is far advanced, the lower colon may become very fixed,
distorted, and even narrowed. When this occurs, there may be thin or pellet-shaped
stools, constipation, and an occasional rush of diarrhea. The problem
then becomes a mechanical or structural one, and treatment is more difficult.
Complications of Diverticulosis
It is, perhaps, remarkable that so few people have complications of diverticulosis
when compared with the number of people who have the condition. Still,
complications do occur and they can be serious. Diverticulitis is the
most common.
Diverticulitis
Like a balloon, as a diverticulum expands, it develops a thin wall compared with the rest of the colon. The colon is home to many beneficial bacteria -- helpful as long as they stay in the colon. However, these bacteria can seep through the thin wall of diverticuli and cause infection. This infection around diverticuli is called diverticulitis. It can be mild with only slight discomfort in the left lower abdomen. Or it can be quite extreme with severe tenderness and fever. Treatment is usually needed for diverticulitis. It requires antibiotics and resting of the bowel by avoiding food or, at times, even liquids. For severe cases, the patient must be hospitalized.Bleeding
At times, bleeding can occur from a ruptured blood vessel in diverticuli. This may produce a gush of blood from the rectum or, occasionally, darker, mahogony color stools when the bleeding is from a diverticulum in the right colon.Perforation
This complication is the most uncommon but the most serious. Bacteria escape into the abdomen where peritonitis, or an abscess, can develop. Abdominal surgery usually is required to correct this problem.
Diagnosis
of Diverticulitis
The medical history is the physician's most important tool in diagnosing
diverticulitis. The physical exam may find tenderness present in the left
lower abdomen. A barium enema x-ray usually is required to determine the
extent of the disorder. Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are exams
performed through the rectum with a lighted, flexible endoscope. These
exams view the colon from inside and provide additional information about
the problem.
Treatment of Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis may be preventable. As noted, fiber, bran and roughage
should be an important part of the diet. Certain types of fiber, such
as wheat bran retain large quantities of water. This, in turn, provides
a bulkier stool. This type of large, soft stool may help decrease the
pressure in the bowel over time. Bulking agents are available in drug
stores and can be effective. The generic names for some of these products
are psyllium and methycellulose.
Bran and fiber can be found in very palatable forms in many cereals, breads and other foods. Generally, a daily intake of 20 to 30 grams is recommended, beginning at a young age.
It is known that emotional stress can increase spasms of the colon and, perhaps, result in the formation of diverticuli. Stress should be controlled and treated if necessary. Also, medications can be used to decrease spasm in the colon.
Surgery may be needed to remove the diseased portion of the colon when diverticulitis occurs at an early age or when there are recurrent episodes. When surgery is done in a non- emergency situation, a colostomy is usually not needed.
Summary
Diverticulosis is a disorder that may be preventable if treated early
in life. At any stage, there is usually effective therapy available. Diverticulitis,
a complication of diverticulosis, can be readily diagnosed by the physican
and effective therapy is available. Working with the physician, prevention
and treatment programs can be structured to obtain the best results for
the patient.
Related Diets
High Fiber
| Fiber Restricted
Related Procedures
Colonoscopy
This material does not cover all information and is not intended as a subsitute for professional care. Please consult with your physician on any matters regarding your health.
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