[Diverticula in the digestive tract and their complications].

This review concerns diverticula in different parts of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, duoudenum, jejunum, ileum (including Meckel" diverticulum), and large intestine). Their origin, pathogenesis, and frequency are discussed, different forms of diverticula and diverticulosis are described with reference to major complications (diverticulitis, peridiverticulitis, ulceration, bleeding, perforation, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, fistulas, etc.). Methods of clinical, instrumental and laboratory diagnostics and their informative value are considered along with indications and contraindications for surgical treatment. A new classification of diverticula and their complications is proposed. Debatable terminological problems are discussed.