Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is the condition of having diverticula in the colon, which are outpocketings of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses of muscle layers in the colon wall. It is highly prevalent in western countries. These are more common in the sigmoid colon, which is a common place for increased pressure. This is uncommon before the age of 40, and increases in incidence after that age. Diverticular disease occurs when a diverticula become inflamed or bleed.