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Constipation is not associated with colonic diverticula: a multicenter study in Japan
E Yamada1, M Inamori, S Watanabe
1Gastroenterology Division, Saiseikai Yokohama-shi Nanbu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|December 4, 2014
Summary
Constipation is linked to fewer colonic diverticula, not more. This study suggests the absence of diverticula is associated with constipation, challenging common beliefs about diverticular disease etiology.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Health
- Colorectal Research
Background:
- The relationship between colonic diverticula and bowel habits remains unclear.
- Existing hypotheses suggest constipation may contribute to diverticula formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between bowel habits and the presence of colonic diverticula in a Japanese population.
- To re-evaluate the widely held belief linking constipation to diverticular disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1066 Japanese individuals who underwent colonoscopies.
- Bowel habits assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and stool form using the Bristol Scale and Rome III criteria.
- Diverticula diagnosis confirmed via colonoscopy.
Main Results:
- Constipation was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of diverticula (OR = 0.70).
- This association was significant for left-sided diverticula (OR = 0.39) but not right-sided.
- Stool form did not correlate with the presence or absence of diverticula.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that constipation causes colonic diverticula was not supported by this study.
- Findings suggest that the absence of diverticula is associated with constipation.
- The etiology of colonic diverticula may need re-evaluation.
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