Often described as wear and tear of the bowel. Sigmoid most commonly affected, can affected whole colon in some patients, small bowel diverticula possible but less common.

PC:

may cause lower left abdominal pain, constipation or rectal bleeding

Investigations

It is often diagnosed incidentally on colonoscopy or CT scans.

Management

Treatment is not necessary where the patient is asymptomatic. However, advice regarding a high fibre diet and weight loss is appropriate.

• Management is with increased fibre in the diet and bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., ispaghula husk).
• Stimulant laxatives (e.g., Senna) should be avoided.
• Surgery to remove the affected area may be required where there are significant symptoms.