Description
The most common site for diverticula is the sigmoid colon, but they may develop anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, including the duodenum.
Diverticular disease has two clinical forms. In diverticulosis, diverticula are present but do not cause symptoms. In diverticulitis, diverticula are inflamed and may cause potentially fatal obstruction, infection, or hemorrhage. In diverticulitis, retained undigested food mixed with bacteria accumulates in the diverticular sac, forming a hard mass (fecalith). This substance cuts off the blood supply to the thin walls of the sac, making them more susceptible to attack by colonic bacteria.
Serious complications are bleeding or perforation from inflammation, pancreatitis, and biliary obstruction.
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