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Diverticular Disease


Diverticular disease (diverticulosis) is the presence of localized outpouchings in the bowel wall. It can be caused when a chronic lack of dietary fiber occurs, but there are also some genetic consequences. This explains why the diverticular disease is very rare in underdeveloped countries. It usually affects the sigmoid colon. It is characterized by a thicker bowel wall due to increased elastic tissue between muscle fibers.