What is diverticular disease? Diverticular disease is a condition that occurs when a person has problems from small pouches, or sacs that have formed and pushed outward through weak spots in the colon wall. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula. The colon is part of the large intestine. The large Read More

Gallstone Basics The gallbladder sits beneath the liver and stores bile (a key digestive “juice”). Gallstones are crystallized pieces of bile, which can range in size from microscopic to more than one inch. Almost 1 million Americans are diagnosed with gallstone disease each year. A variety of treatment options are available, with the most common Read More

Pancreatitis Basics The pancreas is a gland that sits behind the stomach. It plays major roles in digesting food and controlling your body’s use of sugar. Larger than your gallbladder, but smaller than the liver, the pancreas is an important part of the digestive system. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that usually begins as Read More