Merck Manual

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Definition of Diverticular Disease

By

Joel A. Baum

, MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai;


Rafael Antonio Ching Companioni

, MD, HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital

Reviewed/Revised Oct 2022
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Diverticula are saclike mucosal pouches that protrude from a tubular structure.

A single pouch is called a diverticulum and ≥ 2 pouches are called diverticula. These terms are occasionally used incorrectly.

General reference

  • 1. Schultz JK, Azhar N, Binda GA, et al: European Society of Coloproctology: Guidelines for the management of diverticular disease of the colon. Colorectal Dis 22 (supplement 2):S5–S28, 2020. doi: 10.1111/codi.15140

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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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