Sigmoid diverticulosis is a digestive disease that develops in the sigmoid colon. This occurs as the result of the formation of diverticula, which are small pouches that form on the wall of the colon. When many diverticula form, the sigmoid colon can become narrowed, causing digestive dysfunction. In the early stages, sigmoid diverticulosis can be treated with dietary modifications. In advanced cases, surgery might be needed.

The sigmoid colon is an S-shaped section of the colon, or large intestine. This portion of the colon is connected to the rectum, and it contracts strongly to help push stool through the rectum for excretion. The strong contractions of the sigmoid colon are thought to contribute to the formation of diverticula, because these contractions can push the colon outward at weak points along the wall.

The formation of diverticula occurs very slowly, and it can take years for symptoms of sigmoid diverticulosis to become apparent. Symptoms develop when the sheer number of diverticula in the sigmoid colon begins to interfere with digestion. Large numbers of diverticula can cause the sigmoid colon to become thickened and narrow, leading to intestinal discomfort, constipation and diarrhea. Complications of sigmoid diverticulosis, such as bleeding, diverticulitis and peritonitis, also can occur.

Diverticulitis develops when diverticula become inflamed or infected. This usually occurs when small pockets of food or stool become trapped in one or more diverticula. Symptoms of diverticulitis include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and fever. In some cases, bleeding might occur; this typically can be detected in stool. Treatment for diverticulitis commonly includes antibiotics for infection and medication to control pain.

Another possible complication is peritonitis. This can occur in cases of severe diverticulitis, where the infection causes the formation of a hole in the colon wall. When this occurs, the infection can enter the abdominal cavity. Symptoms of peritonitis include intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and rapid pulse. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.

For most people, sigmoid diverticulosis symptoms can be treated at home. Pain and intestinal cramps can be relieved with a heating pad and pain medication. Often, over-the-counter medication is sufficient to manage pain. When diverticulitis develops, antibiotics and prescription pain relievers might be prescribed. For people who suffer from severe or frequent attacks of diverticulitis, a surgical procedure called a partial splenectomy might be necessary to remove the diseased portion of the colon.

One major risk factor for the development of diverticula is thought to be a low-fiber diet. This is because dietary fiber helps bulk and moisten stool, allowing for easier passage through the sigmoid colon. This means the colon does not need to contract so strongly to propel stool through the system, reducing the likelihood that multiple diverticula will form. Therefore, some preventative measures that can reduce the risk of severe diverticulosis are eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water.