Diverticulosis

 The formation of small herniations (pouches) in the gastrointestinal tract  Caused by an area of weakness in the intestine  Analogy: an inner tube poking through a weak spot in a tire

Diverticulosis ©

 The herniations are located in the mucosa and submucosa found in the wall of the intestine  The pouches begin in the lumen and extend into the muscular wall

 The pouches are called diverticula

Diverticulosis ©

Diverticula ©

External View of Diverticulosis © azgos_cirugia_diverticulosis_diverticulitis.jpg

 rKVo

 Tends to form during middle age  As an individual ages, the mucosa thickens inhibiting peristalsis of the intestine  Increased strain on the walls of the intestine may cause weak areas to herniate

 Approximately 10% of Americans over the age of 40 have this disorder

 Eventually the mucosa (lining of the intestine) becomes thickened with epithelial cells  Pouch may become isolated from the lumen

Transverse Section of Left Colon with Diverticulosis © Colon_diverticulosis_whole_slide.jpg

 If the diverticula become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis

 Most people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms or have mild symptoms  People with diverticulitis usually have severe abdominal pain  It will most likely be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, constipation

 It can usually be treated with antibiotics  Surgery may be necessary if the diverticula perforate the intestine

 If pus from infected diverticula leak into the abdominal cavity, surgery may be necessary  Surgeons will remove the perforated segment of intestine and create an opening between the large intestine and the skin

 Colostomy: surgical procedure leaving part of the intestine connected to the anterior abdominal wall  This will usually be repaired with a second surgery

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For Lab

Small Intestine Histology ©

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Transverse Section of Left Colon with Diverticulosis © Colon_diverticulosis_whole_slide.jpg

Diverticulosis of the Colonic Mucosa ©