Diverticular Disease-among Myths, Paradigms and Scientific Evidence

Abstract

Diverticular disease is among the most common gastrointestinal disorders affecting the Western population. Although complications arising from colonic diverticula significantly affect a patient’s quality of life and the overall health sector, the scientific evidence to facilitate its better management is limited in the literature. Several recommendations and guidelines have been made, albeit based on expert opinions rather than on the outcomes of controlled clinical trials. The more recent research on the natural history of this disorder has led to a shift from the historic dogmatic recommendations to a more individualised approach.

Keywords

• diverticular disease
• epidemiology
• risk factors
• conservative treatment
• surgery