 The pathogenesis of diverticulosis and diverticular disease remains unclear. Genetic predisposition, risk factors 2, relationships with the irritable bowel syndrome 3-5, a low-fibre diet, involvement of intestinal microbiota and the mucosal immune activation 6-7 remain elements whose significance is yet to be confirmed. The management, medical and surgical approach and the prevention of relapses of diverticular disease remain above all empirical and supported by few controlled clinical studies 8-9. This scenario of uncertainty may result in waste and diagnostictherapeutic pathways not always suitable for a disease with such a high prevalence rate. On the basis of these considerations, there is a need to collect systematic information useful for determining aetiopathogenetic aspects and outcomes with greater accuracy. 