Korean J Intern Med.  2010 Jun;25(2):140-146. 10.3904/kjim.2010.25.2.140.

Clinical Characteristics of Colonic Diverticulosis in Korea: A Prospective Study

• Song JH
• Kim YS
• Lee JH
• Ok KS
• Ryu SH
• Lee JH
• Moon JS

• KMID: 1785670
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2010.25.2.140

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis has been reported to be lower in Korea than in Western countries. This disease also shows markedly different characteristics in the Korean population. We describe herein a prospective investigation, based on colonoscopic examination, of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and factors associated with colonic diverticulosis in Korea. METHODS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis has been reported to be lower in Korea than in Western countries. This disease also shows markedly different characteristics in the Korean population. We describe herein a prospective investigation, based on colonoscopic examination, of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and factors associated with colonic diverticulosis in Korea. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of colonic diverticulosis was 12.1% (103 / 848). The right side of the colon was involved in 84.5% of patients (87 / 103); patients with right side diverticula were, on average, younger than those with left side diverticulosis (p = 0.014). Multiple diverticula were observed in 60.2% (62 / 103) of patients. Age greater than 60 years, a high-fat diet, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with the presence of colonic diverticulosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in Korea is increasing and is most commonly located in the right side of the colon. Further, old age and diet may affect the risk of development of this disease.

Keyword

Diverticulum, colon; Korea; Colonoscopy; Prospective studies

MeSH Terms

Adult
Age Distribution
Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology
*Colonoscopy
Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology
Dietary Fats/administration & dosage
Diverticulosis, Colonic/*epidemiology/*pathology
Female
Humans
Hypertension/epidemiology
Life Style
Male
Middle Aged
Multivariate Analysis
Prevalence
Prospective Studies
Questionnaires
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
Risk Factors
Smoking/epidemiology