The Diverticuli are pockets and weak spots that form in the lining of the colon. They are like a little balloon forming on the lining of the colon. The walls are weakened by these balloon like projections and can burst and make a hole in the wall of the colon allowing the contents of the colon to leak into the abdomen. Once that happens a serious infection sets up that can be hard if impossible to treat. This can kill you if not treated immediately. It is a really scary situation when this happens.