What is Diverticular Disease Treatment?

The intestine is divided into the large and small intestine. The large intestine absorbs nutrients from the food that you eat and pushes the remaining undigested waste towards the anus.

Mr. Abhay Chopada a laparoscopic general and colorectal consultant specialises in the management of diverticular diseases.As one of UK’s Top Surgical Gastroenterologists, is well known for his expertise in this field.

What is Diverticular Disease?

The intestine is divided into the large and small intestine. The large intestine absorbs nutrients from the food that you eat and pushes the remaining undigested waste towards the anus. High fibrous foods like fruits and vegetables soften the undigested material and help in easy movement of stools. However, low-fibre foods can produce small and hard stools that are expelled with increased strain while passing. This straining can create weak spots in the wall of the intestine leading to diverticular diseases, conditions that cause the development of small sacs or pouches. The conditions include diverticulosis, diverticular bleeding, and diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a condition where a large number of small pouches, known as diverticula, develop in the lining of the bowel. They can be small or large and are formed with increased strain during bowel movements, or when gas, waste, or liquid put pressure on the weak portions of the walls of the intestine. This is a common condition that can be found in 10% of people above age 40 and 50% of people over the age of 60.

Diverticular Bleeding

Diverticular bleeding occurs when there is an injury to the blood vessels lying adjacent to the diverticula.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation and infection of the diverticula is known as diverticulitis.When waste material blocksthe diverticula, they can become inflamed due to bacterial invasion. Increased pressure on the colon wall or a block at the entrance of the diverticula can reduce blood supply and lead to infection and inflammation.