Diverticular disease in the elderly. What is important to know

News 09/26/2025

Diverticular disease of the colon (diverticulosis) — the formation of sac-like protrusions in the wall of the large intestine as a result of increased pressure in it (with constipation or flatulence).

• This is one of the most common pathologies of the colon in older people.
• According to research, by the age of 85, up to 70% of people have diverticula, and this is not always a harmless finding.

It is important to note that the long course of the disease often leads to complications: diverticulitis (inflammation of one or more diverticulae) and intestinal bleeding.

What is important to know?

Only 2-4% of patients with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis.

• But among people over 80 years of age, the frequency of hospitalizations for diverticulitis reaches 535 per 100,000 people per year — this is ten times higher than among young people.
• The risk of diverticular bleeding increases more than 200 times in patients aged 30 to 90 years. After 80 years, it is even more common than diverticulitis itself.
• Against the background of taking NSAIDs and anticoagulants, frequent in old age, the risk of severe bleeding increases many times.

What is new in diagnosis and treatment?

In elderly patients, symptoms are often nonspecific: there is no fever, there is no leukocytosis (increased white blood cell count). Sometimes there is only one complaint — fatigue.

• In this case, doctors recommend performing a CT scan.

With diverticulitis without complications, treatment is acceptable even without antibiotics, if there is no fever, immunodeficiency and if there is support at home.

• In case of complications (abscess, perforation), hospitalization and, most often, surgical treatment are necessary. However, its necessity strongly depends on the age and general condition of the patient. 
• And with bleeding, stabilization is first of all necessary. Only then a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out.

What preventive measures are effective?

• Give up smoking and alcohol
• Eat high-fiber foods
• Eat less red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
• Lead an active lifestyle
• Control weight

Specialists of the Department of Coloproctology MCSC successfully apply modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Do not delay your visit to the doctor!
You can make an appointment for a consultation by phone:

• +7 (495) 304-30-39

We are always ready to help you!

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