[Clinical findings and conservative therapy in diverticular disease of the colon]

Diverticular disease of the colon can be divided into 1) a prediverticular state similar to spastic colon syndrome, 2) colon diverticulosis without symptoms, 3) chronic symptomatic diverticular disease with pain and stool irregularities and possible attacks with acute colicky pain and 4) acute diverticular disease with possible obstruction, fistula, and perforation and also bleeding. A diet rich in plant fibers is indicated in spastic colon syndrome, chronic diverticular disease and in patients after attacks of acute diverticular disease. A conservative and waiting policy is also indicated in acute diverticulitis and in bleeding.