Diverticular disease is a common condtion affecting the colon. The disease is more common in the western world affecting 50% of the population over the age of 50 years.  Only 25% of those affected will suffer an acute attack of pain. The symptoms of acute diverticulitis include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating.

Diverticula is a pocket which develops along the bowel wall. This is known as diverticulosis and usually affects the sigmoid colon and occasionally the whole colon. Diverticulitis is inflammation of these pockets