Anatomical distribution of diverticula of the large intestine

The literature on the anatomical distribution of diverticula in the large intestine has been reviewed and compared with the findings obtained from a survey of 5094 barium investigations carried out in the period 1967-1972. Of 310 patients with colonic diverticula the anatomical distribution of the diverticula was studied in 259. Though there is general agreement that the commonest sites of involvement are the sigmoid and descending colon, the anatomical distribution of diverticula as reported by various authors shows considerable variations; possible reasons for these variations are mentioned. The relation of the age of the patient to the extent or involvement and to the number of diverticula and the age and sex differences between patients with right sided and those with left sided colonic diverticula are discussed.peer-reviewe