Overview
Diverticular disease is a medical term that includes three conditions: diverticulosis, diverticular bleeding, and diverticular infection/diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula, saclike protrusions of the wall of the large bowel. A diverticulum is when the inner lining of the large bowel (colon) is pushed out through weak spots in the muscle causing a pouch or sac.
In excess of 130,000 Canadians have diverticular disease and about 10% of these are hospitalized annually. Each year 3,309 Canadians require life-saving surgical intervention and more than 400 Canadians die due to complications associated with diverticular disease. The high rate of hospitalization and surgery makes diverticular disease one of the five most expensive digestive diseases. Direct costs associated with diverticular disease are $88.6 million per year.
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Symptoms
What are symptoms of Diverticular Disease? How do I know if I have it? -
Tests & Diagnosis
How is Diverticular Disease diagnosed? Should I see a doctor? What tests will my doctor perform? -
Living with Diverticular Disease
Do I need to take any special medications? Will I need an operation? What foods can I eat?
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News & Research
Are there new treatments? What are the latest research findings? Who does this research? -
FAQ
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Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.