Distribution and Characteristics of Colonic Diverticula in Northern China

The prevalence of colonic diverticula is rising in eastern countries, possibly related to aging and the adoption of a western lifestyle. However, limited data exist regarding the distribution and endoscopic features of colonic diverticula in this population. This study aimed to assess the number, size, depth, and location of colonic diverticula in our study cohort.

We collected data from patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Bao Di Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University. We thoroughly evaluated and documented any colonic diverticula encountered during the procedures. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore associations between participant characteristics and the presence of colonic diverticula.

Our study included a total of 27,021 eligible patients from our colonoscopy database, among whom 1529 individuals (5.67%) exhibited one or more diverticulosis. Patients with colonic diverticula (mean age: 58.6) were significantly older and exhibited a male predominance compared with those without diverticula. Cases of right-sided, left-sided, and bilateral diverticulosis were recorded in 1161 (76.0%), 170 (11.1%), and 198 patients (12.9%), respectively. Patients with right-sided diverticula (mean age: 55.2), more common in males, were younger than those with left-sided diverticula (mean age: 67.1, P < 0.05), which were more frequent in females ( P < 0.001). Individuals aged 60 years or older (odds ratio: 4.32, P < 0.001) and those with bilateral diverticulosis (odds ratio: 21.2, P < 0.001) had a higher likelihood of having a greater burden of diverticula.

Colonic diverticula in Northern China predominantly manifests as right-sided, more common in males, and associated with older age. Notably, patients with right-sided diverticulosis tend to be younger than those with left-sided diverticula. In addition, a higher burden of diverticula is more prevalent in individuals aged 60 years or older and those with a bilateral distribution pattern.