Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease is a common malady in the 21st century affecting 50% of those older than 60 years, and up to 80% of those 80 years old and older. The objective of this issue of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery is to give the reader not only an update of the current medical and surgical management of diverticular disease, but a concise review of the natural history of diverticular disease.

With Dr. Marc Matrana's help, we have a thorough review of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of diverticular disease. Dr. Kristen DeStigter and Dr. David Keating, of the Department of Radiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, give an update on the use of imaging modalities in the diagnosis and radiographic treatment of diverticulitis and its complications. Continuing the nonsurgical vein, Drs. Heath Beckham and Charles Whitlow provide a concise yet comprehensive review of the nonoperative management of disease progression.

This issue also explores the surgical management of diverticulitis and its compilations with superb summaries by Valerie Bauer from University of Texas–Galveston, Drs. Jeremy Lipman and Harry Reynolds from Case Western Reserve University, and John Adams from the Ochsner Clinic. These reviews highlight not only the emergency treatment of diverticulitis, but the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of diverticulitis.

I would like to thank all of the authors for their hard work and effort in providing outstanding clear and concise contributions. I realize the time commitment necessary to produce quality work, especially in the face of busy academic and clinic practices. I would also like to thank Dr. David Beck for allowing me to participate in this valuable project.