Specialised procedures

Diverticular disease of the colon

 

Diverticular disease of the colon

A diverticulum is an outpouching of the colon wall, most frequently in the sigmoid but can occur in the whole colon. Low fibre content of the diet contributes to segmentation of the bowel generating high pressure resulting in protrusion of mucosa. The incidence of diverticular disease is as high as 60% in patients over the age of 70 years. A third have symptoms of pain mainly in the lower left side of abdomen.

Serious complication such as inflammation, perforation or bleeding may require hospitalisation.

Diagnosis is confirmed with a barium x-ray or a colonoscopy examination. The treatment of diverticular disease is essentially conservative and a high fibre diet (25-30gm/day) is recommended to prevent further progression.

Surgery which involves removal of the affected bowel is indicated for those who suffer from incessant pain of recurring inflammation and for complications. This can be carried out laparoscopically.

Daily recommended fibre 25-30gm

Fruits Starchy Vegetables
Apple, raw, with skin 1 medium = 3.3 grams Baked beans, canned, plain 1/2 cup = 6.3 grams
Peach, raw 1 medium = 1.5 grams Kidney beans, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 5.7 grams
Pear, raw 1 medium = 5.1 grams Potato, fresh, cooked 1 = 2.3 grams
Tangerine, raw 1 medium = 1.9 grams    
Vegetables Grains
Asparagus, fresh, cooked 4 spears = 1.2 grams Bread, whole-wheat 1 slice = 1.9 grams
Broccoli, fresh, cooked /2 cup = 2.6 grams Brown rice, cooked 1 cup = 3.5 grams
Brussels sprouts, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2 grams Cereal, bran flake 3/4 cup = 5.3 grams
Cabbage, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 1.5 grams Oatmeal, plain, cooked 3/4 cup = 3 grams
Carrot, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2.3 grams White rice, cooked 1 cup = 0.6 grams
Cauliflower, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 1.7 grams    
Romaine lettuce 1 cup = 1.2 grams    
Spinach, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2.2 grams    
Tomato, raw 1 = 1 gram