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Diverticulitis Causes

Ten to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis (multiple pouches budging in the colon or large intestine) will get diverticulitis.9 Diverticulosis and diverticulitis together are called diverticular disease.

The exact cause of diverticular disease is unknown, but the dominant theory is that it is caused by a low-fiber diet. Diverticular disease is common in developed or industrialized countries such as the United States, England, and Australia where low-fiber diets are consumed.7 In fact, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized with diverticulitis each year, while the disease is rare in Asia and Africa where most people eat high-fiber diets.10

Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Some fiber, called soluble fiber, dissolves easily in water. It takes on a soft, jelly-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes almost unchanged through the intestines. Both kinds of fiber help prevent constipation by making stools soft and easy to pass. Constipation or hard stool may cause people to strain during bowel movements. Straining may cause increased pressure in the colon, which may cause diverticula.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci Surgical System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual; it may not be applicable to your condition. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine whether da Vinci Surgery is appropriate for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctors about da Vinci Surgery, are not necessarily those of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor. © 2010 Intuitive Surgical. All rights reserved.

  1. Luca F, Cenciarelli S, Valvo M, et al. Full Robotic Left Colon and Rectal Cancer Resection: Technique and Early Outcome. Annals of Surgical Oncology. May 2009, Vol. 16, No. 5: 1274-1278
  2. Spinoglio G, Summa M, Priora F, et al., Robotic Colorectal Surgery: First 50 Cases Experience; Diseases of the Colon and Rectum; DOI 10.1007/s10350-008-9334-0 Volume 51 1627-1632 (2008)
  3. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; National Institutes of Health. Available from: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis/
  4. U.S. News & World Report; Uninsured Face Worse Outcome After Diverticulitis; Dec. 2008. Available from: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/digestive-disorders/articles/2008/12/15/uninsured-face-worse-outcomes-after-diverticulitis.html

PN 873870 Rev A 05/10