DIVERTICULAR DISEASE
Diverticular disease affects the large bowel (colon). Disease is usually confined to the lower left hand side of the abdomen. Diverticuli are small pockets or sacs that protrude beyond the wall of the bowel and vary in size from that of a pinhead to a small grape. The sac is made up of a portion of the inner lining and the outer covering of the bowel wall does not have any muscular layer. The bowel wall is also thickened and the internal diameter of the bowel is considerably narrowed.
In the early stages of diverticular disease there maybe no symptoms. As the disease progresses cramping, left lower abdominal discomfort particularly in the morning occurs. Diarrhoea or frequent passage of formed stools associated with urgency is common.
Complications of diverticular disease can include abscess formation, haemorrhage and fistulae (fistulae are communications between the bowel and other organs such as the bladder and vagina).
Diverticular disease is due to a diet containing inadequate fibre and can be prevented.
For detailed information on diverticular disease go to: assets/documents/Diverticular Text.pdf
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