Colon diverticulosis is a common condition affecting approximately 50% of the population, but only a small percentage of patients with diverticulosis have symptoms, and an even smaller percentage will require surgery.
Diverticular disease, only a small percentage of patients require surgery
Diverticular disease is not usually associated with specific symptoms which are related to complications. Diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain, chills, fever, and change in bowel habits. Explains Carola Severi, professor of Gastroenterology at La Sapienza University: “The cause is not known precisely, but it is more common in people with a low-fiber diet.”
In fact, it is thought that a low-fiber diet over the years creates increasing pressure within the colon which causes the formation of diverticula. These can then fill with material and following the increase in pressure inside the diverticulum and give rise to phenomena of suffering of the intestine. This can in turn trigger the mechanisms that lead to diverticulitis and its complications.
Diverticulosis is diagnosed by means of a colonoscopy or by radiological examinations. Mild cases can be treated with oral antibiotics and diet restrictions, while more severe cases require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics and diet restrictions. Most acute attacks can be resolved this way. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients with repeated attacks, severe or complicated cases and when there is a weak response or even no improvement after medical therapy.
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