Small Bowel Diverticulosis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Management, and New Concepts

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive Diseases

Background:

• Small bowel diverticulosis is a recognized condition with evolving diagnostic and management strategies.
• This review focuses on the pathophysiology, incidence, prevalence, and modern approaches to small bowel diverticulosis, excluding Meckel's diverticula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of small bowel diverticulosis.
• To cover pathophysiology, incidence, prevalence, diagnosis, and management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on small bowel diverticulosis.
• Focus on diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are now preferred over barium follow-through for diagnosis.
• Asymptomatic small bowel diverticulosis typically requires no intervention.
• Endoscopic management is increasingly utilized for bleeding and intraduodenal diverticula resection.
• Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment for complications such as diverticulitis and small bowel obstruction.

Conclusions:

• Small bowel diverticulosis is uncommon but can lead to serious complications.
• A high index of suspicion is crucial for timely diagnosis.
• While endoscopy plays a growing role, surgical resection is the definitive treatment for most complications.