What are common presentations of diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is characterized by the formation of small pouches, or diverticula, in the walls of the colon. It is often asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur, they typically manifest as lower left quadrant (LLQ) pain, which is due to the location of the sigmoid colon where diverticula are most commonly found.

Patients might also experience rectal bleeding, which can occur if a diverticulum erodes into a blood vessel. Alternating constipation and diarrhea is common as well, as the presence of diverticula can disrupt normal bowel function. This combination of symptoms is a classic presentation of diverticulosis and is significant for diagnosis.

In contrast, severe weight loss and jaundice, persistent nausea and vomiting, and abdominal swelling and fever are not characteristic of uncomplicated diverticulosis. These symptoms suggest more serious conditions such as malignancy or infectious processes that would warrant further investigation. Understanding the typical clinical features of diverticulosis is crucial for effective diagnosis and management in surgery and clinical practice.