Diverticles are pockets which most often form on the mucous membranes of the intestine. Generally asymptomatic, they can cause abdominal pain and potentially serious complications.
The formation of diverticles can occur in the event of a lack of fiber in the food. There diverticulosis (presence of diverticula on the wall of the colon) is quite common, especially in the elderly. There Sigmoid diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis, it occurs when one of these diverticles ignites or infected. We also distinguish diverticula from Meckel and Zencker.
Definition: What are diverticles?
“Diverticles are small bags (hernias) formed on the intestinal wall. They therefore develop on the walls of the colon, the small intestine and the esophagus“” Indicates the Dr Sophie Pitel, digestive and proctological surgeon. Diverticles generally form when the pressure inside the intestine is too high. There are several types of diverticula, depending on their location on the digestive tract. Most of the time, diverticles do not cause problems but in some cases diverticula Can be infected or ignited, which can cause digestive pain or problems, this is called “diverticulitis”.
We distinguish:
► “Diverticulosis is characterized by the presence of multiple small hernies (diverticula) on the colon wall“” specifies our expert. It is generally asymptomaticbut can evolve into diverticulitis of the sigmoid (portion of the descending colon interposed between the left colon and the rectum), which is the most frequent infectious complication. “”Sigmoid diverticulitis East An infection of one or more diverticula of the Sigmoid segment of the colon“Underlines Dr. Pitel. Untreated, or in its severe form, it can evolve in abscess, peritonitis or digestive hemorrhage. Moderate fever, abdominal pain located in the left iliac fossa are the main symptoms.
► The diverticulum of Meckel corresponds to a Malformation of the digestive tract In terms of the small intestine. It is a small pocket that forms on the wall of the small intestine when developing the fetus. In most cases, the diverticulum of Meckel does not cause any symptoms.
► Zenker diverticulum, The rarest case designates the abnormal presence of a pocket in the wall of the esophagus and in particular where the muscles of swallowing are found. His symptoms are:
- A feeling of embarrassment in the throat
- a bad breath,
- food regurgitations
- Difficulties to swallow (dysphagia)
What is the cause of diverticula?
“Intestinal diverticles are preferentially formed After 40 years, they are linked to aging and are more frequent in women“Underlines Dr. Sophie Pitel. On the other hand, a unbalanced foodpoor in dietary fiber represents a significant risk factor. “”Patients most at risk are people immunocompromised, renal insufficiency or those under chemotherapy. In the case of very few zenker diverticula a bad way to swallow food could increase the risk“Add our interlocutor.”But They are not at all hereditary.“”
“The diverticulitis crisis corresponds to inflammation and/or infection of one or more diverticles. Most often, it reveals a diverticulum of the colon. It causes intense abdominal pain, in the lower belly on the left (iliac pit), sometimes fever and transit disorders“Recalls the digestive surgeon. It can be complicated by abscesses of perforation or peritonitis. “”When you have a diverticulitis crisis and/or with complications, never forget at a distance from the push of colonoscopy“Insists our expert.
“The diagnosis of diverticula is generally established when the patient performs a colonoscopy. For acute episodes of diverticulitis, the examination of reference is the Abdominal scanner“” supports Dr. Pitel.
Is it serious to have diverticula?
The problem of diverticula lies in their complications. “They can cause a perforation of the colon (abscesses or peritonitis), a stenosis of the colonist with a risk of occlusion in the event of chronicity and more rarely Diverticulum hemorrhage“Warn Dr. Pitel before reassuring:“Many people have diverticles but among them very few will make an infection (diverticulitis).“”
“In the case of uncomplicated diverticulitis, we prescribe antibiotics. In case of serious complications such as hemorrhage, one can be brought to Put a pocket, that is to say an artificial anus temporarily “ recommend our expert. Physical activity is essential to prevent diverticula attacks. “”Furthermore, the Probiotics and antibiotics do not prevent diverticulitis.“”
What diet in case of diverticula?
“For uncomplicated diverticulitis we recommend A residue -free diet for 2 weeks. Apart from the push, we must adopt A diet rich in fruits and vegetables for fibers and hydrate well“Concludes the digestive surgeon.
Thanks to Dr Sophie Pitel, digestive and proctological surgeon.
