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Diverticular Disease: Paradigm Shifts in Pathogenesis and Treatment

  • Colon (C Burke, Section Editor)
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Opinion statement

Colonic diverticulosis is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions affecting the Western world and is recognized as an increasingly common condition since its first description in the 1800s. Despite its widespread prevalence, its exact pathogenesis remains unknown. Additionally, its wide spectrum of clinical manifestations has led to multiple approaches in the management of this disease. Our understanding of the condition has continued to evolve. Newer studies have challenged some long-held beliefs regarding diverticular disease (DD) and put forward some new theories. This has laid the groundwork for further research to be done in this area to improve our understanding of DD. In any individual case, diet therapy, rifaximin, mesalamine, antibiotics, or surgery may be useful depending on the clinical status.

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Keta K. Vaidya declares no conflict of interest.

Martin H. Floch has received grants and honoraria from Shire.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This research received no specific grant from any specific funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Digestive Diseases, Yale New Haven Hospital, 333 Cedar Street, 1090 LMP, New Haven, CT, 06520-8019, USA

    Keta K. Vaidya MD

  2. Department of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208019, 1080 LMP, New Haven, CT, 06520-8019, USA

    Martin H. Floch MD

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Correspondence to Martin H. Floch MD.

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Vaidya, K.K., Floch, M.H. Diverticular Disease: Paradigm Shifts in Pathogenesis and Treatment. Curr Treat Options Gastro 13, 143–155 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-014-0045-4

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