Diverticula are small outpouches of the bowel lining that protrude through the muscle layer of the bowel. Diverticula most commonly occur in the colon. The presence of diverticula in the colon is called diverticulosis. The incidence of diverticulosis increases with age and affects half the population in the U.S. by the age of 80. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become inflamed.
Inflammation occurs when diverticula become blocked with stool.
Rarely, perforation may lead to peritonitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, a very serious condition. The doctor will review your symptoms and examine you. For uncomplicated diverticulosis the doctor may recommend a high-fiber diet and possibly use of stool softeners. For an attack of acute diverticulitis, you will probably be hospitalized. In most cases requiring surgery, the diseased section of the intestine is removed and the remaining sections are joined together.