1. Diverticulosis

2. The formation of small herniations (pouches) in the gastrointestinal tract
Caused by an area of weakness in the intestine
Analogy: an inner tube poking through a weak spot in a tire

3. Diverticulosis ©http://images. medicinenet

4. The herniations are located in the mucosa and submucosa found in the wall of the intestine
The pouches begin in the lumen and extend into the muscular wall

5. The pouches are called diverticula

6. Diverticulosis ©http://www. ctisus

7. Diverticula ©http://healthinmotion.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/16.jpg

8. External View of Diverticulosis ©http://www. portalesmedicos

10. Tends to form during middle age
As an individual ages, the mucosa thickens inhibiting peristalsis of the intestine
Increased strain on the walls of the intestine may cause weak areas to herniate

11. Approximately 10% of Americans over the age of 40 have this disorder

12. Eventually the mucosa (lining of the intestine) becomes thickened with epithelial cells
Pouch may become isolated from the lumen

13. Transverse Section of Left Colon with Diverticulosis ©http://upload

14. If the diverticula become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis

16. Most people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms or have mild symptoms
People with diverticulitis usually have severe abdominal pain
It will most likely be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, constipation

17. It can usually be treated with antibiotics
Surgery may be necessary if the diverticula perforate the intestine

18. If pus from infected diverticula leak into the abdominal cavity, surgery may be necessary
Surgeons will remove the perforated segment of intestine and create an opening between the large intestine and the skin

19. Colostomy: surgical procedure leaving part of the intestine connected to the anterior abdominal wall
This will usually be repaired with a second surgery

20. Colostomy ©http://www.nuh.com.sg/healthinfo/images/stoma3.gif

21. Colostomy Support Bag ©http://img388. imageshack

22. For Lab

23. Small Intestine Histology ©

24. Normal Small Intestine High Power fffffff©http://images. google

25. Transverse Section of Colon with Diverticulosis ©http://upload

27. Diverticulosis of the Colonic Mucosa ©http://www. pathconsultddx