Reappraisal of clinical features of diverticular disease of the colon.

In patients with diverticular disease of the colon factors which indicate a worse prognosis include widespread abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, disturbed bowel habit, a palpable abdominal mass, abdominal distension, and any of the inflammatory complications. While radiology is of prime importance in the initial diagnosis, it is often impossible to differentiate between diverticulosis and diverticulitis. A more accurate distinction can be made by assessing all the available clinical, radiological, and pathological data, but again there are limitations and inaccuracies. The use of the term "diverticular disease" is preferable.