Pathomorphological aspects of diverticular disease of the colon

The aquired form of diverticular disease of the colon occurs especially in industrialized Western societies and primarily affects older patients, Structural changes of the gut wall, abnormalities of bowel motility as well as eating habits play a role in its pathogenesis. The incidence of inflammatory complications (diverticulitis and associated conditions) increases with the du ration of the disease, In this article we summarize some important aspects concerning the pathogenesis and pathomorphology of diverticulosis and diverticulitis.