Brief Explanation About Diverticular Disease

Abstract

Diverticula, sac-like protrusions in hollow organ walls appear throughout the gastrointestinal system, most commonly in the duodenum near the ampulla. They are classified as true (congenital, with all intestinal wall layers) and false diverticula (acquired, with a muscular layer defect). Duodenal diverticula are usually asymptomatic, found incidentally during endoscopies. Symptoms, when present, manifest as dyspeptic complaints. Radiographs show these diverticula as atypical gas balloons, while CT scans reveal them as mass-like structures. Complications are rare but can include obstruction, bleeding, perforation, and blind loop syndrome. Less than 5% require surgical intervention due to complications. Treatment typically involves endoscopic or surgical excision. The management of biliary and pancreatic complications remains debatable.