Abstract:diverticula are acquired, with the incidence increasing with age. Less than 2% of patients younger than 30 years old have diverticulosis, whereas more than 40% of patients older than 60, and 60% by ag...diverticula are acquired, with the incidence increasing with age. Less than 2% of patients younger than 30 years old have diverticulosis, whereas more than 40% of patients older than 60, and 60% by age 80 years, acquire diverticula. 3,4 It is estimated that 10% to 25% of patients with diverticulosis go on to develop diverticulitis. 5 In the United States this results in approximately 130,000 hospitalizations per year and significant cost to the health care system. 6 In 95% of cases, diverticula are located in the sigmoid and left colon. Right-sided colonic diverticula are rare in Western countries, although with increasing age there is a tendency for the diverticula to not only increase in number but also to develop more proximally in the colon. 7 In Asian countries, the main distribution of diverticula (up to 70%) is right-sided and may have a more genetic influence. 8 The clinical picture for diverticulitis is one defined by a spectrum of presentations. Patients can present with a mild, isolated attack or can have severe and recurrent disease. In addition, a subset of patients present with complicated disease and some have ‘‘smoldering’’ disease. A new disease entity known as SCAD (Segmental Colitis Associated with Diverticula) has been described recently and may involve a different pathophysiology than classic diverticulitis. 9,10 Not only has the etiology of diverticulitis become more complex than previously believed but the treatment algorithms have also evolved. The main components of treatment historically have been antibiotics and surgery. Less invasive nonsurgical procedures, along with new data suggesting the disease may not be as virulent as once believed, have recently questioned some of the surgical dogma that has guidedRead More
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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