Diverticular disease of the colon is a common condition that affects mainly patients above the age of 40. Only a small percentage of those with diverticulosis have symptoms and even fewer will ever require surgery.
Diverticula are pockets that develop in the colon wall. It may involve only part of the colon or the entire colon. Diverticulosis describes the presence of these pockets. Diverticulitis describes inflammation or complications of these pockets.
