[Natural history of colonic diverticulosis]

Colonic diverticula are acquired herniations through the colonic wall. The diseases prevalence differs in various geographic areas and is strikingly correlated with age. In occidental population, its prevalence in autopsy series has risen from 5% to more than 50% within less than a century. The formation of diverticula includes two main factors: a high pressure gradient and a weakness in the colonic wall favored by a low fiber diet. Most people with colonic diverticula remain asymptomatic throughout life. A minority is prone to develop complications (mainly diverticulitis or gross hemorrhage). Recurrent attack will occur in 25%, the risk being enhanced after a second attack. Preventive treatment of complication has not been known yet.