Fourteen-Year Study of Hospital Admissions for Diverticular Disease in Ontario

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions affecting the Canadian population, yet very little is known about its epidemiology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to measure the rate of hospital admission for diverticular disease by age and sex over a 14-year period in the population of Ontario. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study was a retrospective, population-based cohort study of all hospital admissions for diverticular disease from 1988 to 2002. RESULTS: There were 133,875 hospital admissions during the period. Admission rates increased with age, and women were admitted at higher rates than men across all age groups. CONCLUSION: Diverticular disease is an important cause of gastrointestinal morbidity. As the population ages, a rise in the incidence of diverticular disease can be anticipated. Future studies to explain sex difference in admissions are required.