Effect of methylcellulose on rectal and colonic pressures in treatment of diverticular disease.

Six patients with diverticular disorder confirmed by barium-enema examination were given a six-month course of methylcellulose (Celevac) tablets; their rectal and rectosigmoid colonic pressures were measured before and afterwards. Open-tipped, fluid-filled, narrow-bore polyethylene tubes were used for pressure measurements and care was taken to site the tubes similarly in all patients before and after treatment. After methylcellulose treatment the mean rectosigmoid pressures had fallen to the same range as the mean rectal pressures, a highly significant reduction. Methylcellulose significantly reduces rectosigmoid pressures in diverticular disease.