DIVERTICULAR-DISEASE IN AN INDIGENOUS AFRICAN COMMUNITY

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 60  (6) , 464-470
Abstract
Sixteen cases of diverticular disease of the colon occurring in an urban hospital in Ghana are described. Ten of the patients had diffuse diverticulosis affecting the greater part of the colon. Apart from a high incidence of presentation with rectal bleeding the disease shows no particular differences in manifestation from what is encountered in the advanced countries. Of the patients, 60% belonged to the higher social classes, but all had lived on traditional African high-residue food. Other factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder.