Colonic diverticula are pouch-like structures that develop in the wall of the colon, most commonly in the sigmoid and left colon, but can also involve the entire colon. When these diverticula become inflamed, it causes diverticulitis.

Eating more fiber has been linked to a reduced risk of diverticulosis. However, reports on which dietary fiber is most beneficial are conflicting. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the association between different types of dietary fiber and hospitalization for diverticular disease of the colon.

Anesthesia for gastrointestinal surgery is a combination of drugs that put the patient into a sleep-like state before surgery. When under general anesthesia, the patient's brain will not respond to pain signals or reflexes, so the patient will not feel pain during gastrointestinal surgery.