Mesalazine and/or Lactobacillus Casei in the Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of diverticular disease diagnosed for the first time or established by previous colonoscopy * symptomatic episode of uncomplicated diverticular disease no more than 4 weeks prior to study entry * patients who have given their free and informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * acute diverticulitis (both complicated and uncomplicated) * diverticular colitis * active or recent peptic ulcer * chronic renal insufficiency * allergy to salicylates * patients with intended or ascertained pregnancy, lactation * women of childbearing age not using contraceptives * lactulose-lactitol use in the two weeks before the enrolment and during the study * presence of diverticulitis complications (fistulas, abscesses, and/or stenoses) * use of probiotic preparations either prescribed or over-the counter within two weeks prior to study entry * inability to give a valid informed consent or to properly follow the protocol * patients with active malignancy of any type, or history of a malignancy (patients with a history of other malignancies that have been surgically removed and who have no evidence of recurrence for at least five years before study enrolment were also acceptable) * recent history or suspicion of alcohol abuse or drug addiction * any severe pathology that can interfere with the treatment or the clinical or instrumental tests of the trial * use of NSAIDS for one week before and throughout the study period (only paracetamol was permitted).