Colonic Diverticular Disease

The book provides up-to-date information on all aspects of colonic diverticular disease, particularly common in Western countries. Most people suffering from it remain asymptomatic, while about 20% develop symptoms without complications, experiencing the so-called "Symptomatic Non-Complicated Diverticular Disease" (SUDD). 10-25% of this last group eventually develop diverticulitis, with or without complications. The incidence of diverticulitis and diverticular colon disease is increasing worldwide, and is becoming a significant burden for national health systems in terms of direct and indirect costs, also because its prevalence increases with age. Unfortunately, the disease pathogenesis is relatively unknown and several aetiological factors may play a role in its onset.The first parts of the book will deal with the disease epidemiology and etiopathogenesis, focusing on the roles of inflammation and dysbiosis as part of the pathophysiology of diverticular disease. The clinical spectrum, the diagnostic approach and differential diagnosis, medical and surgical treatments are described in the following sections.