Diverticulosis
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Introduction
Diverticulosis
is a very common disorder. Diverticuli are simply pockets or
balloon-like projections extending out from the bowel wall. They occur
most commonly in the colon, otherwise known as the large bowel. The
colon is five to six feet long, starting in the right lower abdomen by
the appendix, then moving up and across the abdomen to the left side. It
then turns and ends in the rectum. Just above the rectum is a short
section called the sigmoid colon. Sigmoid in Greek means S-shaped and,
indeed, this portion of the colon is a bit convoluted in this manner. It
is here that diverticuli almost always occur. This portion of the colon
is a high pressure zone meaning the bowel contracts quite vigorously in
this portion. In so doing, it regulates the passage of stool into the
rectum.
