Statistical analysis of diverticulosis of the colon

Abstract

Forty-four cases of diverticulosis of the colon were detected among 2,662 cases examined by barium enema in Tohoku University. This corresponds to 1.7% in frequency. On the other hand, 21 cases were found among 1,511 cases examined in Hirosaki University, giving 1.4% in frequency. It was more frequent in the male. The frequency, as calculated on the basis of the numbers of cases examined by barium enema in separate age groups, showed the gradual increase with age except for above the eighth decade. The location where the diverticulum was most frequently seen was the right colon; namely, cases in which the diverticulum occurred from the cecum to the ascending colon and those in which it was found only in the ascending colon occupied 61.4 and 71.4% of the total cases, respectively. Diverticulitis as a complication was rare, while coincidence of polyp or carcinoma was sometimes observed. Furthermore, the value of fiberscopy for the diagnosis of diverticulosis of the colon was discussed, and its usefulness for the detection of complication was emphasized.