diverticulum

diverticulum /di·ver·tic·u·lum/ (di″ver-tik´u-lum) pl. diverti´cula   a circumscribed pouch or sac occurring normally or created by herniation of the lining mucous membrane through a defect in the muscular coat of a tubular organ.

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allantoic diverticulum  the endodermal sacculation that becomes the allantois; in humans it is an outpouching of the caudal wall of the yolk sac that becomes the urachus.

ileal diverticulum , Meckel's diverticulum an occasional sacculation or appendage of the ileum, derived from an unobliterated yolk stalk.

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di·ver·tic·u·lum (dvûr-tky-lm) n. pl. di·ver·tic·u·la (-l) A pouch or sac branching out from a hollow organ or structure. diver·ticu·lar adj.

diverticulum an intestinal diverticulum: A. diverticulum, B. large intestine, C. blood vessel

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Diverticulum

Small tubes or pouches that project off the wall of the intestine, visible as opaque on an x ray after the patient has swallowed a contrast (dye) substance.

Mentioned in: Bowel Resection, Colostomy, Congenital Bladder Anomalies, Peritonitis

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diverticulum

[dī′vurtik′yo̅o̅ləm] pl. diverticula

Etymology: L, diverticulare, to turn aside

a pouchlike herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ. A diverticulum may be present in the stomach, the small intestine, or, most commonly, the colon. It is typically detected by radiography after the ingestion of a radiopaque substance. See also diverticulitis, diverticulosis, Meckel's diverticulum. diverticular, adj.

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diverticulum,

n sac-like herniation occurring in a muscular organ wall, such as the small intestine, stomach, or colon.

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diverticulum

pl. diverticula [L.] a circumscribed pouch or sac occurring normally or created by herniation of the lining mucous membrane through a defect in the muscular coat of a tubular organ.

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auditory tube diverticulum

see guttural pouch.

dorsal urethra diverticulum

a small pouch dorsal to the urethra in the male ruminant.

esophageal diverticulum

a congenital or acquired localized dilatation or outpouching of the esophageal wall in which food and liquids may accumulate. Pulsion (or pressure) diverticula result from increased intraluminal pressure and protrusion of mucosa through the muscular wall. Traction diverticula are created by periesophageal inflammation, fibrosis and adhesions to surrounding structures. Vascular ring anomalies are a common cause of anterior thoracic esophageal diverticula in dogs. Epiphrenic are those located between the heart base and diaphragm.

Clinical signs include dysphagia and regurgitation, and esophageal obstruction by impacted food may occur.

intestinal diverticulum

a pouch or sac formed by hernial protrusion of the mucous membrane through a defect in the muscular coat of the intestine.

nasal diverticulum

the part of the horse's nostril dorsal to the alar fold leads into this blind pouch, which is lined with skin. Called also false nostril.

pressure diverticulum

see esophageal diverticulum (above).

pulsion diverticulum

see esophageal diverticulum (above).

rectal diverticulum

weakness and rupture of the muscular layer of the rectal wall allows formation of a pocket. Most commonly seen in dogs in association with perineal hernia. There is straining and an obvious bulge beside the anus.

stomach diverticulum

a small pouch at the left end of the pig's stomach, close to the esophageal entry into the stomach.

suburethral diverticulum

lies below the opening of the urethra of the cow.

traction diverticulum

see esophageal diverticulum (above).

diverticulum tubae auditivae

see guttural pouch.

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Patient discussion about diverticulum.

Q. How to prevent diverticulitis? I am a 43 year old man. I just had colonoscopy and my Doctor said I have diverticulosis and am at risk in developing diverticulitis. How can I prevent developing diverticulitis?

A. You have Diverticulosis, which means you have diverticulas (small pouches) on your digestive system. These diverticula are permanent and will not go away. No treatment has been found to prevent complications of diverticular disease. Diet high in fiber increases stool bulk and prevents constipation, and theoretically may help prevent further diverticular formation or worsening of the diverticular condition. Some doctors recommend avoiding nuts, corn, and seeds which can plug diverticular openings and cause diverticulitis. Whether avoidance of such foods is beneficial is unclear. If you develop unexplained fever, chills or abdominal pain, you should notify your doctor immediately since it could be a complication of diverticulitis.