What Is Diverticulosis?

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Diverticulosis is the presence of small pouches (diverticula) that form in the walls of the colon. It becomes increasingly common with age — affecting more than 50% of adults over 60 in Western countries. Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms and discover it incidentally during colonoscopy. A high-fiber diet and adequate hydration are the cornerstones of management.

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What is Diverticulitis?

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​Diverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula become inflamed or infected. About 4–15% of people with diverticulosis will develop diverticulitis at some point. Symptoms include sudden onset of left lower abdominal pain (typically), fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Treatment depends on severity — uncomplicated cases are managed with antibiotics and dietary modification, while complicated cases (abscess, perforation, obstruction) may require hospitalization or surgery.

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Diverticular Bleeding

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​Diverticular bleeding is one of the most common causes of significant rectal bleeding in adults over 50. It often presents as painless, sudden, large-volume rectal bleeding. Most episodes resolve spontaneously, but some require colonoscopy with endoscopic treatment or surgical intervention. Any significant rectal bleeding should be evaluated promptly.​

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Colonoscopy After Diverticulitis

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After an episode of diverticulitis, colonoscopy is generally recommended to rule out colorectal cancer (which can mimic diverticulitis on imaging) and to assess the extent of diverticular disease. Our gastroenterologists will recommend the appropriate timing for colonoscopy following your episode.​

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