[Diverticular disease of the colon. Physiopathology and medical treatment].

Almost unknown in 1900, diverticular disease has become the commonest disease of the colon and appears to be a deficiency disease caused by the removal of vegetable fibre from the diet. It occurs most commonly in the sigmoid colon and is frequently asymptomatic, but it may be symptomatic without evidence of inflammation. It may be complicated by inflammation or bleeding. A high residue diet forms the rational basis for successful therapy.