A radiological survey of diverticulosis in Singapore

Three hundred and sixty one consecutive barium enemas done at a general hospital were reviewed prospectively to determine the frequency and anatomic distribution of diverticulosis in Singapore. The frequency of 28% is comparable to previous American and European studies and higher than previous Asian studies. There was also a predominance of purely right-sided disease with the caecum and/or ascending colon involved in 71% of patients. This anatomic distribution of diverticulosis is quite different from that seen in Caucasian populations where the disease mainly involves the left side of the colon and is probably a function of genetic and racial factors.