title: Diverticular disease: epidemiology and management.
abstract: Diverticular disease of the colon is among the most prevalent conditions in western society and is among the leading reasons for outpatient visits and causes of hospitalization. While previously considered to be a disease primarily affecting the elderly, there is increasing incidence among individuals younger than 40 years of age. Diverticular disease most frequently presents as uncomplicated diverticulitis, and the cornerstone of management is antibiotic therapy and bowel rest. Segmental colitis associated with diverticula shares common histopathological features with inflammatory bowel disease and may benefit from treatment with 5-aminosalicylates. Surgical management may be required for patients with recurrent diverticulitis or one of its complications including peridiverticular abscess, perforation, fistulizing disease, and strictures and ⁄ or obstruction.
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Adam V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Weizman
authors.forename: Geoffrey Christopher
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Nguyen
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D043963:Diverticulosis, Colonic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents