Colon diverticula are small sac-like protrusions that develop in the mucosa that lines the wall of the colon, mainly in the sigmoid part of it. Diverticular formation, a condition known as diverticulosis, often occurs in older people, but there is no specific age limit. The exact cause of diverticular development remains multifactorial. Although many people with colon diverticula do not experience any symptoms at all, in some cases adverse conditions or complications may develop that require immediate treatment.
Colon diverticula: Causes of formation
The etiology of colon diverticula formation is multifaceted and not fully understood. However, several factors have been identified that contribute to the development of these morphomas. An important factor is increased intra-abdominal pressure due to constipation and accompanying straining during bowel movements. Constipation occurs due to various factors, the main of which is insufficient consumption of plant fiber through the diet and dehydration of the body. Other causes of diverticula formation include advanced age, genetic predisposition, connective tissue disorders, and any structural changes in the colon wall. Certain conditions and conditions such as obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking and taking certain medications are also aggravating factors.
Diverticulosis symptoms & complications
While most people with diverticulosis remain asymptomatic, this does not mean that symptoms or complications will not develop. Symptoms caused by colon diverticula include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. As for the complications of the condition, the most common is diverticulitis, i.e. inflammation or infection of the diverticula. This is manifested by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain and discomfort, fever and changes in bowel habits. Bleeding from ruptured blood vessels within the diverticulum, bowel perforation, peritonitis, abscess formation, and bowel obstruction are other possible complications that may occur due to the presence of diverticulum. The aforementioned complications can be potentially life-threatening to the patient, so it is particularly important to treat them immediately and effectively.
Diagnosis of diverticulosis
The diagnosis of diverticulosis is often an incidental event. The condition is usually found during endoscopic or imaging tests such as a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or CT scan that are performed to investigate other issues or symptoms. Colon diverticula are diagnosed using a multifaceted approach, which includes taking a medical history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging tests to confirm the presence of diverticula and detect any complications.
Treatment options for colon diverticula
In the first phase, intestinal diverticulum is treated conservatively, with measures that focus on managing symptoms and preventing any complications. Adopting dietary habits that make it a priority to eat plenty of fiber is the first step in managing constipation and thereby reducing pressure on the colon, eventually reducing the risk of diverticulitis. Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage mild discomfort. Antibiotics are prescribed in cases of diverticulitis to fight the infection. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and smoking cessation are particularly beneficial in promoting overall colon health and potentially reducing the risk of diverticulosis developing into something more serious. In some cases where complications arise, such as severe or recurrent diverticulitis or intestinal perforation, immediate hospitalization of the patient and administration of intravenous antibiotics is imperative in order to prevent the need for surgery.
In some cases, however, surgery is unfortunately inevitable. This procedure is called a colectomy. Colectomy can be performed either by open surgery or by minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy (laparoscopic colectomy). During the procedure, the part of the intestine where the problem occurs is resected and removed, and then its two healthy ends are carefully reunited. However, in some cases it may not be possible to rejoin the two ends of the colon immediately. Then, a colostomy is created and when the appropriate period of time has passed and the conditions are favorable, a second procedure is performed to reunite the two ends of the colon. The General Surgeons in Athens, who make up the Colon Rectal medical team, surgically treat any complications caused by colon diverticula, in order to preserve the health and quality of life of each patient.
