What should I know about Diverticular Disease?
Diverticula are herniations in the wall of either the esophagus or intestines. The most common type of diverticula are found in either the large or small intestine and may be the result of a congenital deformity or they may be acquired. Congenital diverticula are herniations of the entire thickness of the intestinal wall, while the more common acquired diverticula consist of herniations of the thinner mucosa generally at the site of an artery which provides nutrients to the area.(1) The most common location for diverticula in the small intestine, is either in the middle part of the small intestine called the jejunum or in the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Most of the time, diverticula do not produce any symptoms that are noticeable and are usually discovered almost accidentally when the individual has reason to have an upper GI x-ray. When symptoms do occur, it is because the diverticula are close to other structures or because they have become inflamed. A pati
