Right-sided colonic diverticulitis. Short and long-term surgical outcomes and 2-year quality of life

AIM

We aimed to investigate the short and the long-term outcomes and 2-year Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis (RCD) surgically managed.

METHOD

We conducted an ambidirectional cohort study of patients with RCD undergoing surgery between 2012/2022. A colonoscopy was performed at 1-year post surgery. The enrolled patients completed the EuroQoL (EQ-5D-3L) during a regular follow-up visit at 12 and 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Three hundred nineteen patients with RCD were selected: 223 (70%) patients were treated by non-operative management (NOM) while 33 underwent surgery. Acute diverticulitis occurred in 30 patients: 9 (27.2%) were classified by CT as uncomplicated and 21 (63.6%) as complicated diverticulitis. Additionally, chronic diverticulitis occurred in 3 cases (9.2%). Specifically, 27 patients were classified by CT as 1a (81.8%) and 6 patients as 3 (18.2%). Right hemicolectomy was performed in 30 patients (90.8%), and ileo-caecectomy in 3 (9.2%). Nine (27.27%) experienced postoperative complications: 7 (77.7%) were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo as grade I-II, and 2 (22.2%) as grade III. No disease recurrence or colorectal cancer (CRC) was detected on colonoscopy. Thirty (90.8%) patients completed the 24-month follow-up. A statistically significant difference between preoperative and 24-month QoL index values (median 0.72; IQR = 0.57-0.8 vs. median 0.9; IQR = 0.82-1; p = 0.0003) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results demonstrate satisfactory surgical outcomes and a better QoL after surgery. No disease recurrence or CRC was observed at colonoscopy 1 year after surgery.

Inpatient treatment of acute diverticulitis between 2010 and 2021 - A German nationwide study about long-term trends and effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

AIM

The aims of this study were to analyse all hospitalizations for acute diverticulitis in Germany from 2010 to 2021 and to assess the effects of the first 2 years of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on hospitalizations for acute diverticulitis.

METHOD

Using data from the German Federal Statistical Office, we analysed fully anonymized healthcare data of hospitalizations and treatment regimens with acute diverticulitis as the main diagnosis between 2010 and 2021. Logistic regression analyses for in-hospital mortality were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 608,162 hospitalizations were included. While the number of hospitalizations constantly increased until 2019 (+52.4%), a relative decrease of 10.1% was observed between 2019 and 2020, followed by stable numbers of hospitalizations in 2021 (+1.1% compared with 2020). In-hospital mortality showed a relative decrease of 33.2% until 2019 and thereafter a relative increase of 26.9% in 2020 and of 7.5% in 2021. A 21.6% and a 19.3% drop in hospitalizations was observed during the first and second waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mostly affecting hospitalizations for uncomplicated diverticulitis, with a corresponding 11.6% and 16.8% increase in admissions for complicated diverticulitis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed significantly higher in-hospital mortality for hospitalizations in which surgery (OR = 2.76) and CT (OR = 1.32) were given, as well as lower mortality for women (OR = 0.88), whereas percutaneous drainage was not associated with higher in-hospital mortality compared with conservative treatment (OR = 0.71).

CONCLUSION

This study points out the long-term trends in inpatient treatment for acute diverticulitis and the in-hospital mortality risk factors of patients hospitalized for acute diverticulitis in a large nationwide cohort, as well as changes in these trends and factors resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These changes might be attributable to delayed diagnosis and thus more severe stages of disease as a result of containment measures.

Colouterine Fistula as a Rare Cause of Postmenopausal Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A Case Report

Postmenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding is a common clinical problem addressed in gynaecological practice and should prompt clinical investigation due to the significant prevalence of malignant and premalignant lesions of the endometrium in this age group. Nevertheless, other causes should be considered, since its diagnostic and therapeutic management may differ considerably. Here, we present a case of a colouterine fistula due to chronic diverticulitis presenting with postmenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding. This is an infrequent occurrence and is caused by the rupture of a diverticular abscess into the uterine wall, resulting in an inflammatory adhesion of the colon and uterus, with necrosis and subsequent fistula formation. The clinical presentation is variable and may include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal tract symptoms, vaginal discharge, and abnormal uterine bleeding. The laboratory and imaging techniques may be not completely conclusive and definitive diagnosis can be made intraoperatively. There are different treatment options, with en bloc resection and primary anastomosis being used most often, allowing complete treatment. The prognosis for a colouterine fistula secondary to diverticulitis is excellent after surgery. This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion of an unusual cause of uterine bleeding and an effective and multidisciplinary approach that allowed complete surgical treatment and patient recovery.

Small Bowel Diverticulosis and COVID-19: Awareness Is the Key: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Small bowel non-Meckelian diverticulosis is a rare condition with only a few published cases despite being described over 200 years ago. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies suggested that many patients may experience gastrointestinal manifestations. Intestinal symptoms could worsen the inflammation and infection associated with small bowel diverticulitis. Here we present three cases: one with inflammation and rupture in a COVID-19 patient and another as an asymptomatic detection. The third case involved recurrence after the first laparoscopic lavage approach. Furthermore, we provide a mini-review of the literature to emphasize the importance of considering this entity in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen. In the majority of cases involving small bowel diverticula, conservative management is the preferred approach. However, when complications arise, surgical intervention, including enteroctomy and primary anastomosis, may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.

Sarcopenia is a Poor Predictor of Outcomes in Elective Colectomy for Diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is associated with adverse perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing operations for malignancy, but its influence on patients undergoing elective colectomy for diverticulitis is unknown. We hypothesized that sarcopenia is associated with adverse perioperative events in patients undergoing elective colectomy for diverticulitis.

METHODS

Comorbidities, operative characteristics, and postoperative complications were extrapolated from our institutional EMR in patients undergoing elective colectomy for diverticulitis from 2016 to 2020. Sarcopenia was calculated using perioperative imaging and defined by standard skeletal muscle index (SMI) and psoas muscle index (PMI) thresholds. Univariate analysis was used to compare sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients.

RESULTS

148 patients met inclusion criteria. Using SMI thresholds, 95 patients (64%) were sarcopenic. With SMI criteria, sarcopenic patients were older (67 vs 52 years old; P < .01) and had lower BMIs (26.2 vs 34.0, respectively; P < .001) than non-sarcopenic patients. There were no differences in baseline characteristics, postoperative complications, and non-home discharge between groups (P > .05 for all). Postoperative length of stay was greater in sarcopenic patients (3 IQR 2-5 vs 2 IQR 2-3 days; P < .01). Using PMI thresholds, 68 (46%) met criteria for sarcopenia. Using PMI thresholds, sarcopenic patients were older (68 vs 57.5 years old; P < .01) and had lower BMIs (25.8 vs 32.8; P < .01). There were no differences in comorbidities or measured operative outcomes between groups (P > .05 for all), other than postoperative length of stay which was longer in the sarcopenic group (3.5 IQR 3-5 vs 2 IQR 2-3; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of sarcopenia was high in patients undergoing elective colectomy for diverticulitis in our practice, but sarcopenia was not associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. In select patients, elective colectomy for diverticulitis can be safely performed in the presence of sarcopenia.

Isolated Perforation of Multiple Jejunal Diverticulae: A Very Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen

Isolated jejunal diverticular (JD) perforation is extremely rare; it usually presents as a diagnostic dilemma and is often discovered incidentally on laparotomy. Most of these perforations are single. Literature has revealed only one case of multiple small bowel diverticular perforations. We report the first case of simultaneous perforation of four jejunal diverticulae in an 85-year-old male. Small bowel resection and primary anastomosis were performed. The patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and timely management to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these patients. It should be included in the differential diagnosis in all elderly patients presenting with acute abdomen.

Concomitant Sigmoid Diverticulitis and Periampullary Duodenal Diverticulitis Complicated by Lemmel Syndrome: A Case Report

Diverticular disease is a major cause of hospitalizations, especially in the elderly. Although diverticulosis and its complications predominately affect the colon, the formation of diverticula in the small intestine, most commonly in the duodenum, is well characterized in the literature. Although small bowel diverticula are typically asymptomatic, and diagnosed incidentally, a complication of periampullary duodenal diverticulum is Lemmel syndrome. Lemmel syndrome is an extremely rare condition whereby periampullary duodenal diverticula, most commonly without diverticulitis, leads to obstruction of the common bile duct due to mass effect and associated complications including acute cholangitis and pancreatitis. Here, we present the first case, to our knowledge, of periampullary duodenal diverticulitis complicated by Lemmel syndrome with concomitant colonic diverticulitis with colovesical fistula. Our case and literature review emphasizes that Lemmel syndrome can present with or without suggestions of obstructive jaundice and can most often be managed conservatively if caught early, except in the setting of emergent complications.

Outcomes of initially nonoperative management of diverticulitis with abscess formation in immunosuppressed patients. DIPLICAB study COLLABORATIVE group

AIM

Management of diverticulitis with abscess formation in immunosuppressed patients (IMS) remains unclear. The main objective of the study was to assess short- and long-term outcomes between IMS and immunocompetent patients (IC). The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for emergency surgery.

METHODS

A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed at 29 Spanish referral centres between 2015-2019 including consecutive patients with first episode of diverticulitis classified as modified Hinchey Ib or II. IMS included immunosuppressive therapy, biologic therapy, malignant neoplasm with active chemotherapy and chronic steroid therapy. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors to emergency surgery in IMS.

RESULTS

A total of 1395 patients were included; 118 IMS and 1277 IC. There were no significant differences in emergency surgery between IMS and IC (19.5% and 13.5%, p = 0.075) but IMS was associated with higher mortality (15.1% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001). Similar recurrent episodes were found between IMS and IC (28% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.963). Following multivariate analysis, immunosuppressive treatment, p = 0.002; OR: 3.35 (1.57-7.15), free gas bubbles, p < 0.001; OR: 2.91 (2.01-4.21), Hinchey II, p = 0.002; OR: 1.88 (1.26-2.83), use of morphine, p < 0.001; OR: 3.08 (1.98-4.80), abscess size ≥5 cm, p = 0.001; OR: 1.97 (1.33-2.93) and leucocytosis at third day, p < 0.001; OR: 1.001 (1.001-1.002) were independently associated with emergency surgery in IMS.

CONCLUSION

Nonoperative management in IMS has been shown to be safe with similar treatment failure than IC. IMS presented higher mortality in emergency surgery and similar rate of recurrent diverticulitis than IC. Identifying risk factors to emergency surgery may anticipate emergency surgery.

Citrobacter freundii-associated lesions in stranded loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

Citrobacter freundii, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, has been sporadically reported in sea turtles. Here, the authors describe 3 unusual lesions associated with C. freundii infection in 3 loggerhead sea turtles stranded on the coast of Gran Canaria Island, Spain. It is possible that these 3 distinct lesions played a major role in the death of these turtles. The first turtle had caseous cholecystitis, a lesion not previously described in sea turtles. The second turtle had large intestinal diverticulitis, a rare condition in loggerheads. The third turtle had bilateral caseous salt gland adenitis. Histologically, numerous gram-negative bacilli were observed at the deepest edge of inflammation in all cases. Pure cultures of C. freundii were obtained from these 3 lesions. Molecular detection of C. freundii DNA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from the lesions of the 3 turtles confirmed the microbiological isolation. These cases, in addition to expanding the limited body of knowledge on bacterial infections in sea turtles, highlight the potential pathogenic role of C. freundii in loggerhead turtles.

Acute Colonic Diverticulitis: CT Findings, Classifications, and a Proposal of a Structured Reporting Template

Acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) is the most common complication of diverticular disease and represents an abdominal emergency. It includes a variety of conditions, extending from localized diverticular inflammation to fecal peritonitis, hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis due to its high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and interobserver agreement. In fact, CE-CT allows alternative diagnoses to be excluded, the inflamed diverticulum to be localized, and complications to be identified. Imaging findings have been reviewed, dividing them into bowel and extra-intestinal wall findings. Moreover, CE-CT allows staging of the disease; the most used classifications of ACD severity are Hinchey's modified and WSES classifications. Differential diagnoses include colon carcinoma, epiploic appendagitis, ischemic colitis, appendicitis, infectious enterocolitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. We propose a structured reporting template to standardize the terminology and improve communication between specialists involved in patient care.

Sigmoid Diverticulitis in a Tight Spot: An Atypical Presentation Within a Ventral Hernia

Ventral hernia and acute diverticulitis may present with similar symptoms posing difficulty in clinical diagnosis. Rarely, complicated sigmoid diverticulitis is found within an irreducible ventral hernia sac in the emergency setting. Intraoperative decision on the appropriate surgical option depends on the surgeon's experience and the patient's clinical state. We present a case of a middle-aged female who came in with infraumbilical hernia containing necrotic sigmoid diverticulitis. Her surgical history was cesarean section and total abdominal hysterectomy with a re-look laparotomy. She had an emergency exploration of the hernia through a midline incision, excision of the necrotic diverticulum, and the formation of loop colostomy at the site of the hernia. Post-operative recovery was uneventful and she has been scheduled for an elective sigmoid colectomy and reversal of the stoma. This study highlights that complicated sigmoid diverticulitis can rarely present as an irreducible ventral hernia and that less is often more in safely getting patients out of trouble in an emergency.

Understanding the Geographic Distribution of Diverticulitis Hospitalizations in Washington State

BACKGROUND

The incidence of diverticulitis in the United States is increasing, and hospitalization remains a surrogate for disease severity. State-level characterization of diverticulitis hospitalization is necessary to better understand the distribution of disease burden and target interventions.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of diverticulitis hospitalizations from 2008 through 2019 was created using Washington State's Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Hospitalizations were stratified by acuity, presence of complicated diverticulitis, and surgical intervention using ICD diagnosis and procedure codes. Patterns of regionalization were characterized by hospital case burden and distance travelled by patients.

RESULTS

During the study period, 56,508 diverticulitis hospitalizations occurred across 100 hospitals. Most hospitalizations were emergent (77.2%). Of these, 17.5% were for complicated diverticulitis, and 6.6% required surgery. No single hospital received more than 5% (n = 235) of average annual hospitalizations. Surgeons operated in 26.5% of total hospitalizations (13.9% of emergent hospitalizations, and 69.2% of elective hospitalizations). Operations for complicated disease made up 40% of emergent surgery and 28.7% of elective surgery. Most patients traveled fewer than 20 miles for hospitalization, regardless of acuity (84% for emergent hospitalization and 77.5% for elective hospitalization).

DISCUSSION

Hospitalizations for diverticulitis are primarily emergent, nonoperative, and broadly distributed across Washington State. Hospitalization and surgery occur close to patients' homes, regardless of acuity. This decentralization needs to be considered if improvement initiatives and research in diverticulitis are to have meaningful, population-level impact.

Diverticular Abscess Complicating Pregnancy at 18 Weeks' Gestation in a 30-Year-Old Female: A Case Report

The co-occurrence of diverticulitis with pregnancy is incredibly rare and the management of recurrent complicated diverticulitis may not be feasible in a pregnant patient. Adding cases to the incredibly sparse literature may highlight similarities and create potential recommendations for at-risk populations. We present a case of a female at 18 weeks' gestation who presented with left lower quadrant pain. The initial physical exam and clinical findings revealed severe abdominal tenderness without signs of generalized peritonitis, leukocytosis with predominant neutrophils, and fundal height with confirmatory ultrasonography of intrauterine pregnancy. The main diagnosis was diverticulitis complicated by an abscess and pregnancy, confirmed with CT imaging. The initial intervention was IV antibiotics and bowel rest; however, with each subsequent discharge, she returned to the emergency department with worsening symptoms. Eventually, at 28 weeks, she was escalated to IV meropenem, CT-guided drainage of the abscess, and preterm vaginal delivery at 28 weeks, with a lower anterior resection and diverting ileostomy at six weeks postpartum. She is currently being followed outpatient with improvement in pain, meaningful healthy weight gain, and a healthy newborn child. While management of diverticulitis is generally straightforward, severe presentations like this, even when compared to existing literature, suggest traditional notions of contraindications and risks may not fully apply. Timing and management of recurrent diverticulitis in pregnancy necessitate further research to establish comprehensive guidelines tailored to these at-risk populations.

The Association Between Solid Organ Transplant and Recurrence of Acute Diverticulitis: A National Assessment

OBJECTIVE

Compare rates and severity of recurrent acute diverticulitis in patients with and without solid organ transplant.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Immunocompromised solid organ transplant recipients have been considered higher risk for both recurrence and severity of acute diverticulitis. Current guidelines recommend an individualized approach for colectomy in these patients, but these are based on single-center data.

METHODS

We identified patients with acute diverticulitis using the Merative MarketScan commercial claims data from 2014-2020. Patients were classified by history of solid organ transplant. The primary outcome was recurrence of acute diverticulitis with an associated antibiotic prescription ≥60 days from the initial episode. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization, colectomy, and ostomy in patients with recurrence. Analyses used inverse probability weighting to adjust for imbalances in covariates.

RESULTS

Of 170,697 patients with evidence of acute diverticulitis, 442 (0.2%) had a history of solid organ transplantation. In the weighted cohort, among people who had not been censored at one year (n=515), 112 (22%; 95% CI 20%-25%) experienced a recurrence within the first year. Solid organ transplantation was not significantly associated with a risk of recurrence (HR 1.19; 95% CI 0.94-1.50). There was also no statistically significant difference in the hospitalization rate for recurrent diverticulitis. Restricting the analysis to hospitalized recurrences, there was no statistically significant difference observed in either length of stay or discharge status.

CONCLUSIONS

In this national analysis of commercially-insured patients with acute diverticulitis we found no statistically significant differences in recurrence between those with and without a history of solid organ transplant. We do not support an aggressive colectomy strategy based on concern for increased recurrence rate and severity in a solid organ transplant population.

Risk Factors for the Failure of Non-operative Management Among Patients Admitted for Colonic Diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

Diverticulitis is one of the most diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases in the country, and its incidence has risen over time, especially among younger populations, with increasing attempts at non-operative management. We elected to look at acute diverticular disease from the lens of a failure analysis, where we could estimate the hazard of requiring operative intervention based upon several clinical factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried between 2010 and 2015 for unplanned admissions among adults with a primary diagnosis of diverticulitis. We used a proportional hazards regression to estimate the hazard of failed non-operative management from multiple clinical covariates, measured as the number of inpatient days from admission until colonic resection. We also evaluated patients who received percutaneous drainage, to investigate whether this was associated with decreasing the failure rate of non-operative management.

RESULTS

A total of 830,993 discharges over the study period, of whom 83,628 (10.1%) underwent operative resection during the hospitalization, and 35,796 (4.3%) patients underwent percutaneous drainage. Half of all operations occurred by hospital day 1. Among patients treated with percutaneous drainage, 11% went on to require operative intervention. The presence of a peritoneal abscess (HR 3.20, P < .01) and sepsis (HR 4.16, P < .01) were the strongest predictors of failing non-operative management. Among the subset of patients with percutaneous drains, the mean time from admission to drain placement was 2.3 days.

CONCLUSION

Overall 10.1% of unplanned admissions for diverticulitis result in inpatient operative resection, most of which occurred on the day of admission. Percutaneous drainage was associated with an 11% operative rate.

Trends in the Management of Non-emergent Surgery for Diverticular Disease and the Impact of Practice Parameters

BACKGROUND

Due to the rise in diverticular disease, the ASCRS developed practice parameters to ensure high-quality patient care. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of the 2014 practice parameters on the treatment of non-emergent left-sided diverticular disease.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study using the ACS-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP). Elective sigmoid resections performed by year were evaluated and compared before and after practice parameters were published.

RESULTS

Overall, 46,950 patients met inclusion criteria. There was a significant decrease in the number of non-emergent operations when evaluating before and after guideline implementation (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in the number of patients younger than 50 years of age operated electively for diverticular disease (25.8% vs. 23.9%, P = .005). Adoption of minimally invasive surgery continued to increase significantly throughout the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Publication of the 2014 ASCRS practice parameters is associated with a change in management of diverticular disease in the non-emergent setting.

Asymptomatic colo-ovarian fistula amidst acute psychosis: a case report

This paper presents a rare case of an asymptomatic colo-ovarian fistula in a 45-year-old female with acute psychosis and a history of bipolar disorder, seizure disorder and substance misuse. The intricate diagnostic challenges arising from the patient's complex medical history underscore the significance of a multidisciplinary approach. The absence of typical gastrointestinal symptoms and the presence of a tubo-ovarian abscess complicated the diagnosis of acute on chronic sigmoid diverticulitis and colo-ovarian fistula. Surgical intervention, including sigmoid resection, anastomosis and left salpingo-oophorectomy, led to successful resolution. This case highlights the need for further understanding of colo-ovarian fistula pathophysiology, improved diagnostic strategies, and the nuanced interplay between medical and psychiatric conditions in complex clinical scenarios.

A Rare Case of Diverticulitis With a Colo-Adnexal Fistula

Diverticulitis is a very common cause of hospitalization in the United States with fistula formation being a common complication. However, a fistula formation between the sigmoid colon and an ovary is an exceptional rarity. We present a case of a 22-year-old female with a colo-ovarian fistula misdiagnosed as a tubo-ovarian abscess after a recent episode of diverticulitis. Initial workup, imaging studies, and treatment ending with Hartmann's procedure with eventual colostomy reversal are described. A review of similar cases within the literature and fistulas is also presented.

Coexistence of Acute Appendicitis and Sigmoid Diverticulitis

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in acute diverticulitis cases, attributed to modern lifestyles and improved diagnostic techniques. We present a rare case of concurrent acute appendicitis and diverticulitis in a 35-year-old male who came to the emergency department with abdominal pain. While appendicitis typically requires surgery, diverticulitis is often managed conservatively. Computed tomography is key in diagnosis and decision-making. Despite their differing treatments, cases like this challenge the perception of their rarity. This case prompts consideration of multifocal abdominal pathology. Recognizing concurrent appendicitis and diverticulitis is crucial for guiding appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies, potentially including non-operative management in select cases.

Impact of previous diverticulitis on 5-year survival and recurrence rates in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Diverticulitis and colorectal cancer (CRC) share epidemiological characteristics, but their relationship remains unknown. It is unclear if prognosis following CRC differ for patients with previous diverticulitis compared to those with sporadic cases and patients with inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary syndromes.

AIM

The aim was to determine 5-year survival and recurrence after colorectal cancer in patients with previous diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and hereditary colorectal cancer compared to sporadic cases.

METHODS

Patients <75 years of age diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Sweden, between January 1st 2012 and December 31st 2017 were identified through the Swedish colorectal cancer registry. Data was retrieved from the Swedish colorectal cancer registry and chart review. Five-year survival and recurrence in colorectal cancer patients with previous diverticulitis were compared to sporadic cases, inflammatory bowel disease associated and hereditary colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 1052 patients, 28 (2.7%) with previous diverticulitis, 26 (2.5%) IBD, 4 (1.3%) hereditary syndromes and 984 (93.5%) sporadic cases. Patients with a history of acute complicated diverticulitis had a significantly lower 5-year survival rate (61.1%) and higher recurrence rate (38.9%) compared to sporadic cases (87.5% and 18.8% respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute complicated diverticulitis had worse 5-year prognosis compared to sporadic cases. The results emphasize the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer in patients with acute complicated diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis is not associated with altered gut microbiota nor is it predictive of future diverticulitis: a population-based colonoscopy study

BACKGROUND

The etiopathogenesis of diverticular disease is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the fecal and mucosa-associated microbiota between participants with and without diverticulosis and participants who later developed diverticulitis versus those that did not from a population-based study.

METHODS

The PopCol study, conducted in Stockholm, Sweden, invited a random sample of 3556 adults to participate, of which 745 underwent colonoscopy. Overall, 130 participants (17.5%) had diverticulosis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted on available sigmoid biopsy samples from 529 and fecal samples from 251 individuals. We identified individuals who subsequently developed acute diverticulitis up to 13 years after sample collection. In a case-control design matching for gender, age (+/-5 years), smoking and antibiotic exposure, we compared taxonomic composition, richness and diversity of the microbiota between participants with or without diverticulosis, and between participants who later developed acute diverticulitis versus those who did not.

RESULTS

No differences in microbiota richness or diversity were observed between participants with or without diverticulosis, nor for those who developed diverticulitis compared with those who did not. No bacterial taxa were significantly different between participants with diverticulosis compared with those without diverticulosis. Individuals who later developed acute diverticulitis (2.8%) had a higher abundance of genus Comamonas than those who did not (p = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

In a population-based cohort study the only significant difference was that those who later develop diverticulitis had more abundance of genus Comamonas. The significance of Comamonas is unclear, suggesting a limited role for the gut microbiota in the etiopathogenesis of diverticular disease.

Indications for Operative Management of Complicated Duodenal Diverticula: A Review

The duodenum is the second most common location for a diverticulum to form after the colon. These duodenal diverticula (DD) are often found incidentally and rarely require intervention. In recent years, surgical management has been restricted to patients with significant complicated sequelae, such as perforation, abscess, or fistula formation. We present the rare case of a perforated broad-based diverticulum in the third portion of the duodenum necessitating surgical correction. The patient presented with persistent symptoms following failure of conservative management and underwent surgical resection. Due to difficulty visualizing the extent of the diverticulum, a novel intraoperative technique of bowel insufflation via nasogastric tube was used allowing for elucidation of the diverticular borders and complete resection. Although DD are common, there exists no consensus on when operative intervention is indicated. Given that significant morbidity and mortality can be associated with symptomatic DD, a systematic way to guide management decisions is needed. After conducting a review of the literature, we propose that the modified Hinchey classification can be used not only to categorize duodenal diverticulitis but to guide treatment choice in cases with unclear risk benefit profiles.

Complex Patient Perspectives on Evolving Diverticulitis Treatment Patient Perspectives on Diverticulitis

Background

Despite evidence that antibiotics may not be necessary to treat acute uncomplicated diverticulitis, they remain the mainstay of treatment in the United States. A randomized controlled trial evaluating antibiotic effectiveness could accelerate implementation of an antibiotic-free treatment strategy, but patients may be unwilling to participate.

Objective

This study aims to assess patients' attitudes regarding participation in a randomized trial of antibiotics versus placebo for acute diverticulitis, including willingness to participate.

Design

This is a mixed-methods study with qualitative and descriptive methods.

Settings

Interviews were conducted in a quaternary care emergency department and surveys were administered virtually through a web-based portal.

Patients

Patients with either current or previous acute uncomplicated diverticulitis participated.

Interventions

Patients underwent semi-structured interviews or completed a web-based survey. Main Outcome measures: Rates of willingness to participate in a randomized controlled trial was measured. Salient factors related to healthcare decision-making were also identified and analyzed.

Results

Thirteen patients completed an interview. Reasons to participate included a desire to help others or contribute to scientific knowledge. Doubts about the efficacy of observation as a treatment method were the main barrier to participation. In a survey of 218 subjects, 62% of respondents reported willingness to participate in a randomized clinical trial. "What my doctor thinks," followed by "What I've experienced in the past" were the most important decision-making factors.

Limitations

There is possible selection bias inherent to using a study to evaluate willingness to participate in a study. Also, the population sampled was disproportionately White compared to the population affected by diverticulitis.

Conclusions

Patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis maintain complex and varying perceptions of the use of antibiotics. Most surveyed patients would be willing to participate in a trial of antibiotics versus placebo. Our findings support a trial's feasibility and facilitate an informed approach to recruitment and consent.

Emergency laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy with primary anastomosis for Hinchey stages III and IV diverticulitis

For patients with perforated diverticulitis, many reports have focused on laparoscopic surgery without primary anastomosis. We performed laparoscopic surgery with primary anastomosis in three patients (two with Hinchey stage III, one with IV), with a median age of 53 years, all female, and no prior medical history. They all were hemodynamically stable. The median operation time was 91 minutes (range: 56-227 minutes) and the median blood loss was 50 mL (range: 0-200 mL). Their post-operative course was uneventful, and patients commenced oral intake at a median of 5 post-operative days and were discharged at a median of 12 post-operative days. This procedure may be an option for Hinchey stages III and IV diverticulitis.