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Diverticulosis is a condition that affects the large intestine, or colon. A normal colon is strong and inner wall is relatively smooth. A colon affected by diverticulosis has weak spots in the walls. These defects allow the development of balloon-like sacs or outpouches - much like a bubble forming on a worn inner tube. These hollow pouches, called diverticulae, occur when the inner intestinal lining has pushed through weakened areas of the colon wall. A single pouch is called a diverticula. The presence of these pouches on the colon is called diverticulosis. When the pouches are inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis. In this video segement taken during a colonoscopy examination you can see an number of deep "pockets" in the intestinal wall. These pockets represent the inner openings of the hollow diverticulosis sac. For more information about diverticulosis, click here.

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ROBERT D. FUSCO, MD

Three Rivers Endoscopy Scope Cam Diverticulosis "Pockets" in the Colon