Diverticular disease. Gross specimen of part of a human colon affected by diverticular disease. This condition is also known as diverticulitis or CDD (colonic diverticular disease). CDD causes sacs (diverticula) to form that protrude externally from the colon wall. These become inflamed, infected and may rupture. If ruptured, haemorrhaging may occur with inflammation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or abscess formation. They are more common with age and result in fever, vomiting and pain. Treatment requires antibiotic drugs, more severe cases may require surgery to remove part of the colon.