The Epidemiology and Etiology of Right-Sided Colonic Diverticulosis: A Review

Overview

Journal Ann Coloproctol

Date 2021 Jul 21

PMID 34284562

Citations 7

Authors

Greg A Turner

Michael J OGrady

Rachel V Purcell

Frank A Frizelle

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Diverticulosis of the colon is a common condition in Western countries and most patients will remain asymptomatic, but some will present with symptoms of acute diverticulitis or bleeding. Our understanding of diverticulosis is evolving but is mostly derived from diverticulosis affecting the left-sided colon. In contrast, right-sided colonic diverticulosis (RCD) is more commonly seen in Asian countries but is much less common overall. Based on the marked differences in epidemiology, it is commonly thought that these are 2 distinct disease processes. A review of the literature describing the epidemiology and etiology of RCD was performed, with a comparison to the current understanding of left-sided diverticulosis. RCD is becoming increasingly common. The epidemiology of RCD shows it to be a mostly acquired condition, and not congenital as previously thought. Many factors in the etiology of RCD are similar to that seen in left-sided diverticulosis, with a few variations. It is therefore likely that most cases of RCD represent the same disease process that is seen in the left colon.

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