Case closed? Diverticulitis: epidemiology and fiber

Association of diverticulitis and potential risk of ischemic stroke: population-based matched cohort study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested relationship between diverticular disease and cardiovascular disease. Since cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular accident share a lot of pathogenesis, diverticulitis could also be a risk factor for stroke. This study tried to establish epidemiological evidence of the relationship between colon diverticulitis and ischemic stroke.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with newly diagnosed colon diverticulitis (N = 6238) and patients without colon diverticulitis (control group; N = 24 952) were recruited between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2017. Both groups were matched by propensity score at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, comorbidities and medications. Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of ischemic stroke. We also conducted 4 different regression models and 2 sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings.

RESULTS

The diverticulitis group had a higher risk of IS than the control group (adjusted HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.12-1.39; P < 0.001). Serial sensitivity analyses yielded consistent positive link between diverticulitis and IS. Further subgroup analysis showed that in the study group, the risk of IS was 2.54-fold higher than the matched controls in 30-39 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that colon diverticulitis was associated with a higher risk of developing subsequent ischemic stroke, especially for patients aged 30-39 years, among Asian population. This result provides us a chance to undertake preventive measures for ischemic stroke in high-risk patients.

Trends and Disparities in Colonic Diverticular Disease Hospitalizations in Patients With Morbid Obesity: A Decade-Long Joinpoint Analysis

Objective We aimed to describe epidemiologic trends in outcomes of colonic diverticular disease (CDD) hospitalizations in morbidly obese patients. Methods We searched the United States National Inpatient Sample databases from 2010 through 2019, obtained the incidence rate of morbid obesity (MO) among CDD hospitalizations, and used Joinpoint analysis to obtain trends in these rates adjusted for age and sex. Hospitalizations involving patients less than 18 years of age were excluded. Trends in mortality rate, mean length of hospital stay (LOS), and mean total hospital charge were analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to obtain trends in adjusted mortality, mean LOS, and mean total hospital charge. Results We found an average annual percent change of 7.5% (CI = 5.5-9.4%, p < 0.01) in the adjusted incidence of MO among hospitalizations for CDD over the study period. We noted a 7.2% decline in mortality (p = 0.011) and a 0.1 days reduction in adjusted LOS (p < 0.001) over the study period. Hospitalizations among the middle-aged and elderly had adjusted odds ratios of 7.18 (95% CI = 2.2-23.3, p = 0.001) and 24.8 (95% CI = 7.9-77.9, p < 0.001), respectively, for mortality compared to those in young adults. The mean LOS was 0.29 days higher in females compared to males (p < 0.001). Conclusion The incidence of MO increased among CDD hospitalizations while mortality and mean LOS reduced over the study period. Outcomes were worse in older patients, with an increased mean LOS in females compared to males.

Frequency of Bowel Movements and Risk of Diverticulitis

OBJECTIVE

The etiology of diverticulitis is poorly understood. The long-held belief that constipation and low-fiber diet are risk factors for diverticulosis has recently been challenged by studies that suggest that more frequent bowel movements predispose to diverticulosis. We aim to prospectively explore the association between bowel movement frequency and incident diverticulitis.

DESIGN

We studied participants of the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS). Participants' medical history, lifestyle factors and diet were used in Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios(HRs) and 95% confidence intervals(CI).

RESULTS

In the NHS during over 24 years of follow-up encompassing 1,299,922 person-years, we documented 5,214 incident cases of diverticulitis, and in the HPFS over 14 years encompassing 368,661 person-years of follow-up, we documented 390 incident cases of diverticulitis. We observed an inverse association between the frequency of bowel movements and risk of diverticulitis. In the NHS, compared with women who had daily bowel movements, those with more than once daily bowel movements had a HR of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.19, 1.42) and those with less frequent bowel movements had a HR of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82, 0.95; p-trend < 0.0001). In the HPFS, the corresponding HRs were 1.29 (95% CI, 1.04, 1.59) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.36, 1.03; p-trend = 0.003). The association between bowel movements and diverticulitis was not modified by categories of age, BMI, physical activity, laxative use or fiber intake.

CONCLUSION

More frequent bowel movements appear to be a risk factor for subsequent diverticulitis both in men and women. Further studies are needed to understand the potential mechanisms that may underlie this association.

Primary Adenocarcinoma at Colostomy Site: Report of a Clinical Case

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States and it is found in 17% of patients thought to have complicated diverticular disease. However, primary adenocarcinoma rarely occur in the colostomy site and the risk of developing malignancy is similar to that of any other colonic segment. Polyps found in CRC screenings can be divided into the following types: hyperplastic polyps, polyps with no malignant potential, adenomatous polyps, polyps with malignant potential, and malignancies. Local complications of the colostomy can appear in the immediate, early, or late postoperative period, with an incidence ranging from 15 to 30%; neoplasia is even less common.

THE RELATION BETWEEN THE DIET AND THE DIVERTICULITIS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

BACKGROUND

Diverticulitis is an acute inflammatory process that affects individuals with diverticular disease. Given the sharp increase in the diagnostic rate of such a pathological process, there was also an increased interest in elucidating the possible causes related to the development of this clinical condition. Among the main factors investigated, diet excels, the object of study of this integrative literature review.

METHODS

After searching the virtual health library and PubMed databases, five prospective cohort studies were selected that best answered the guiding question: "Is there a relationship between diet and the incidence of diverticulitis?".

RESULTS

It was observed that the high intake of red meat and the low intake of dietary fiber were the most strongly associated dietary factors with the incidence of this inflammatory process.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, it is evident that choosing healthy eating habits can considerably reduce the incidence of diverticulitis and, consequently, potentially more serious complications directly related to it.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in emergency colorectal surgery

AIM

There is a requirement for an expansive and up to date review of the management of emergency colorectal conditions seen in adults. The primary objective is to provide detailed evidence-based guidelines for the target audience of general and colorectal surgeons who are responsible for an adult population and who practise in Great Britain and Ireland.

METHODS

Surgeons who are elected members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Emergency Surgery Subcommittee were invited to contribute various sections to the guidelines. They were directed to produce a pathology-based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence-based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after two votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of care (excluding abdominal trauma) for emergency colorectal conditions have been included along with 122 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence-based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of emergency colorectal conditions and should serve as practical text for clinicians managing colorectal conditions in the emergency setting.

Increased incidence and recurrence rates of acute diverticulitis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

AIM

Acute diverticulitis (AD) is commonly diagnosed in outpatient and emergency departments and is associated with severe complications such as perforation and fistula. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea, are also common with AD. This study aimed to evaluate the strength of a possible association between IBS and AD.

METHOD

This retrospective study analysed records from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and involved a total of 25 810 patients, including 12 905 IBS patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. The IBS and non-IBS cohorts were matched by propensity score for age, gender, comorbidities and medication, then compared for confounding variables by the chi-square test or Student's t-test. The association between AD and IBS was determined using Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan-Meier curves assessed the cumulative incidence of AD in IBS patients.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of AD was 3.95-fold higher in the IBS cohort than in the non-IBS cohort (63.34 vs 16.02 per 100 000 person-years, respectively) and IBS was an independent risk factor for subsequent diagnosis of AD in multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted hazards ratio (aHR = 3.84, 95% CI = 2.29-6.44, P < 0.001) and Kaplan-Meier (log-rank test, P < 0.001) analysis. IBS was also associated with a high recurrence rate of AD (aHR = 8.30, 95% CI = 1.07-64.30, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The epidemiological evidence in this study demonstrates that patients with IBS are associated with a higher incidence of AD and also its recurrence.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Diverticulitis

INTRODUCTION

Diverticulitis is a significant cause of morbidity among older women, and little attention has been paid to understanding its etiology. We have shown that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is associated with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we prospectively examined the association between MHT and the risk of incident diverticulitis.

METHODS

We studied 65,367 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study who provided detailed information on hormone use and other medical and lifestyle factors biennially, and on diet every 4 years. Between 2008 and 2014, participants reported any episodes of diverticulitis that required antibiotics and the date of occurrence. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Over 24 years encompassing 1,297,165 person-years of follow-up, we documented 5,425 incident cases of diverticulitis. We observed an increased risk of diverticulitis among both current (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.18-1.39) and past (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.25-1.45) MHT users compared to never users. The increased risk was observed among participants using estrogen only (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.20-1.41) and those using combined estrogen and progesterone (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.21-1.42) compared to nonusers. The risk did not increase with longer duration of use (P-trend = 0.76). The association between MHT and diverticulitis was not modified by age, body mass index, past oral contraceptive use, or fiber intake (all P-interaction >0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Menopausal hormone therapy was associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis. Further studies are needed to understand the potential mechanisms that may underlie this association.

Treatment of diverticular disease, targeting symptoms or underlying mechanisms

Diverticular disease (DD) is a highly prevalent disease in western industrialized countries that encompasses a complex set of disorders. Because of its complexity and heterogeneity, both from a pathogenic and a clinical point of view, the management of this disease represent a challenge in clinical practice. This review aims to analyze and summarize the most recent evidence on the medical strategies for DD, considering separately the different stages of the disease, from prevention of diverticula formation to treatment of acute diverticulitis and prevention of recurrences. Based on some evidence, dietary fiber is useful to prevent diverticula formation and in diverticulosis, with no pharmacological treatment in these settings. Treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease as well as primary prevention of acute diverticulitis is based on probiotics, fibres, mesalazine and rifaximin, individually or as combination therapy, although a standard approach has not yet been defined. On the contrary, in acute diverticulitis (AD) recent acquisitions have clarified and standardized the role of systemic antibiotics, reserving its use only to complicated forms and in selected cases of uncomplicated disease. Secondary prevention of AD is essentially based on mesalazine and rifaximin but, despite promising results, no strong evidence have been produced. To date, grey areas remain in the medical management of DD.

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Diverticular Disease

Colonic diverticular disease is a common health care issue which has historically been attributed to western countries and older age population. Recent studies have shown a rise in incidence among developing countries that have adopted western diets as well as rise in prevalence among younger patients. In this article, the authors discuss the incidence, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of colonic diverticular disease.

Role of Fiber in Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease: A Systematic Review

Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent abdominal symptoms in patients with colonic diverticula. There is some evidence that a high-fiber diet or supplemental fibers may reduce symptoms in SUDD patients and a high-fiber diet is commonly suggested for these patients. This systematic review aims to update the evidence on the efficacy of fiber treatment in SUDD, in terms of a reduction in symptoms and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. According to PRISMA, we identified studies on SUDD patients treated with fibers (PubMed and Scopus). The quality of these studies was evaluated by the Jadad scale. The main outcome measures were a reduction of abdominal symptoms and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. Nineteen studies were included, nine with dietary fiber and 10 with supplemental fiber, with a high heterogeneity concerning the quantity and quality of fibers employed. Single studies suggest that fibers, both dietary and supplemental, could be beneficial in SUDD, even if the quality is very low, with just one study yielding an optimal score. The presence of substantial methodological limitations, the heterogeneity of the therapeutic regimens employed, and the lack of ad hoc designed studies, did not permit a summary of the outcome measure. Thus, the benefit of dietary or supplemental fiber in SUDD patients still needs to be established.

Lower Abdominal Pain

Although most frequently presenting with lower abdominal pain, appendicitis, colitis, and diverticulitis can cause pain throughout the abdomen and can cause peritoneal and retroperitoneal symptoms. Evaluation and management of lower intestinal disease requires a nuanced approach by the emergency physician, sometimes requiring computed tomography, ultrasonography, MRI, layered imaging, shared decision making, serial examination, and/or close follow-up. Once a presumed or confirmed diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment is initiated, and may include surgery, antibiotics, and/or steroids. Appendicitis patients should be admitted. Diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease can frequently be managed on an outpatient basis, but may require admission and surgical consultation.

Increased Risk of Pyogenic Liver Abscess Among Patients With Colonic Diverticular Diseases: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Whether patients with diverticular diseases exhibit a higher risk of developing pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) remains inconclusive.From the inpatient claims in Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 54,147 patients diagnosed with diverticulosis in the 1998 to 2010 period and 216,588 controls without the disorder. The 2 cohorts were matched by age, sex, and admission year, and were followed up until the end of 2010 to estimate the risk of PLA.Overall, the incidence of PLA was 2.44-fold higher in the diverticular-disease group than in the controls (11.5 vs 4.65 per 10,000 person-year). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of PLA was 2.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81-2.44) for the diverticular-disease group, according to a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. The age-specific data showed that the aHR for the diverticular-disease group, compared with the controls, was the highest inpatients younger than 50 years old (aHR, 4.03; 95% CI, 2.77-5.85). Further analysis showed that the diverticular-disease group exhibited an elevated risk of PLA regardless of whether patients had diverticulitis.The patients with diverticular diseases exhibited a higher risk of PLA.

Association Between Colonic Diverticulosis and Erectile Dysfunction: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

We investigated whether colonic diverticulosis (CD) is associated with an increased risk of the subsequent development of erectile dysfunction (ED).We identified 2879 patients, diagnosed with CD between 1998 and 2011 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database as the study cohort. Patients in a comparison cohort were frequency-matched with those in the CD cohort at a ratio of 1:4, frequency matched according to age (in 5-year bands) and year of CD diagnosis. The patients were followed-up until ED development, withdrawal from the National Health Insurance system, or the end of 2011. For both cohorts, the overall and age-specific incidence density rates of ED (per 1000 person-years) were calculated. The effects of age, CD, and other comorbidities on the risk of ED development were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression models.The average follow-up durations were 4.76 years and 4.97 years for the CD patients and comparison cohorts, respectively. The overall incidence of ED was 1.70-fold higher in the CD cohort than in the comparison cohort (2.92 and 1.71 per 1000 person-years, respectively). Colonic diverticulosis was an independent risk factor for subsequent ED development (adjusted HR [aHR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-2.28) in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.In this large retrospective cohort study, CD was associated with future ED development. Additional studies are required for validating our results.

Increased Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients With Diverticular Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Diverticular disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are common disorders that share several risk factors. Few researchers have evaluated the association between diverticular disease and ACS. We aimed to assess the risk of ACS in patients with diverticular disease. A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted by analyzing data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. All patients aged ≥20 years with a diagnosis of diverticular disease from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2011, were included in this study. For comparison, patients without diverticular disease were randomly selected and matched with the study cohort at a 4:1 ratio according to age, sex, and the year of the diagnosis of diverticular disease. Patients with incomplete age or sex information and a history of cardiovascular diseases were excluded from the study. All patients were followed until an ACS event, withdrawal from the insurance program, or December 31, 2011. In this study, 52,681 patients with diverticular disease and 210,724 patients without diverticular disease were included. Men accounted for 56.1% of patients and 57.8% of patients were ≥50 years old. The overall incidence density of ACS in patients with diverticular disease (45.5 per 10,000 person-years) was significantly higher than in those without diverticular disease (30.3 per 10,000 person-years), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.32) after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. The cumulative incidence of ACS in patients with diverticular disease was significantly higher than that in the control cohort (log-rank test, P < 0.001). The adjusted HRs for the development of ACS were 1.25 (95% CI, 1.15-1.37) and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.07-1.32) in patients with diverticulitis and diverticulosis, respectively. The adjusted HRs of ACS in patients with diverticular disease additionally increased from 1.97 (95% CI, 1.73-2.23) in patients with 1 comorbidity to 5.51 (95% CI, 3.88-7.84) in those with ≥5 comorbidities. This large population-based retrospective study revealed an association between diverticular disease and ACS. Further research is warranted to determine the exact mechanism of the link between these diseases.

Constipation is not associated with colonic diverticula: a multicenter study in Japan

BACKGROUND

The association of diverticula with bowel habits is unclear. We therefore analyzed the association between diverticula and bowel habits in over 1000 Japanese individuals.

METHODS

Japanese subjects who underwent total colonoscopies at seven centers in Japan from June to September 2013 were analyzed. Bowel habits were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and stool form was assessed using a part of the Bristol Scale and Rome ΙΙΙ criteria. Diverticula were diagnosed by colonoscopy with a transparent soft-short hood.

KEY RESULTS

The study evaluated 1066 subjects, 648 males and 418 females (ratio, 1.55 : 1), of mean age 63.9 ± 13.0 years. After adjusting for age and sex, the presence of constipation was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of diverticula (odds ratio [OR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.93). When assessed according to the location of diverticula, the presence of constipation was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of left-sided (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.93), but not right-sided (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.48-2.53), diverticula. Furthermore, stool form was unrelated with the presence or absence of diverticula.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The wide-spread hypothesis that constipation was associated with colonic diverticula was not supported. Rather, we found that the absence of diverticula was associated with constipation, suggesting the need to reassess the etiology of colonic diverticula.

Association between Diverticular Disease and Pre-Neoplastic Colorectal Lesions in an Urban African-American Population

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether there is a shared pathway in the development of diverticular disease (DD) and potentially neoplastic colorectal lesions since both diseases are found in similar age groups and populations.

AIM

To determine the association between DD and colorectal pre-neoplastic lesions in an African-American urban population.

METHODS

Data from 1986 patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Howard University Hospital from January 2012 through December 2012 were analyzed for this study. The presence of diverticula and polyps was recorded using colonoscopy reports. Polyps were further classified into adenoma or hyperplastic polyp based on histopathology reports. Multiple logistic regression was done to analyze the association between DD and colonic lesions.

RESULTS

Of the 1986 study subjects, 1,119 (56%) were females, 35% had DD and 56% had at least one polyp. There was a higher prevalence of polyps (70 vs. 49%; OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.9-2.8) and adenoma (43 vs. 25%; OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7-2.5) in the diverticular vs. non-diverticula patients. Among patients who underwent screening colonoscopy, the presence of diverticulosis was associated with increased odds of associated polyps (OR = 9.9; 95% CI: 5.4-16.8) and adenoma (OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 3.4-7.8).

CONCLUSION

Patients with DD are more likely to harbor colorectal lesions. These findings call for more vigilance on the part of endoscopists during colonoscopy in patients known to harbor colonic diverticula.

Diverticular disease in younger patients--is it clinically more complicated and related to obesity?

AIM

The aims of this systematic review were to determine the presentations of diverticular disease in patients under 40 years of age and to assess whether obesity is an important factor.

METHOD

The PubMed and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify all original articles published between 1990 and 2011 on diverticular disease severity in obese patients (body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m(2) ) under 40 years of age.

RESULTS

Twenty-three clinical case series (two of which were prospective) were identified plus two large aetiological population-based studies. These reported that young patients with diverticular disease were presenting more frequently, that diverticular disease in this age group was less likely to be complicated but that emergency operation rates were higher. The majority (63.1-96.5%) of patients under 40 years of age with diverticular disease were obese.

CONCLUSION

The studies suggest that in the young, obese patient with lower abdominal pain, diverticulitis and appendicitis are included in the differential diagnosis. CT and/or laparoscopy should be considered where the diagnosis is in doubt.

Association between colonic diverticular disease and colorectal cancer: a nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We investigated whether a diagnosis of colonic diverticular disease is associated with an increased risk for subsequent development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a nationwide population-based retrospective study.

METHODS

We identified 41,359 individuals diagnosed with colonic diverticular disease as inpatients from 2000 through 2009 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (study cohort) and collected data for 165,436 randomly selected additional subjects, matched by sex, age, and baseline year (comparison cohort). Data were collected until individuals developed CRC or withdrew from the National Health Insurance system, or until December 31, 2010. Cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) of CRC development were determined. To assess for ascertainment bias, we conducted an analysis excluding the first 12 months of follow-up evaluation.

RESULTS

The risk of CRC was significantly higher in the study cohort than in the comparison cohort (HR adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities, 4.54; 95% confidence interval, 4.19-4.91; P < .0001). In a sensitivity analysis, we excluded the first 12 months of follow-up evaluation after a diagnosis of colonic diverticular disease; subsequent incidence rates for CRC in the study and comparison cohorts were 15.13 and 15.74 per 10,000 person-years, respectively (adjusted HR, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-1.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic diverticular disease is not associated with an increased risk of subsequent CRC after the first year of diagnosis of colonic diverticular disease. An increased risk was observed in the first year, possibly owing to misclassification and screening effects.

Increased risk for irritable bowel syndrome after acute diverticulitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Individuals with diverticulosis frequently also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but there are no longitudinal data to associate acute diverticulitis with subsequent IBS, functional bowel disorders, or related emotional distress. In patients with postinfectious IBS, gastrointestinal disorders cause long-term symptoms, so we investigated whether diverticulitis might lead to IBS. We compared the incidence of IBS and functional bowel and related affective disorders among patients with diverticulitis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients followed up for an average of 6.3 years at a Veteran's Administration medical center. Patients with diverticulitis were identified based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision codes, selected for the analysis based on chart review (cases, n = 1102), and matched with patients without diverticulosis (controls, n = 1102). We excluded patients with prior IBS, functional bowel, or mood disorders. We then identified patients who were diagnosed with IBS or functional bowel disorders after the diverticulitis attack, and controls who developed these disorders during the study period. We also collected information on mood disorders, analyzed survival times, and calculated adjusted hazard ratios.

RESULTS

Cases were 4.7-fold more likely to be diagnosed later with IBS (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-14.0; P = .006), 2.4-fold more likely to be diagnosed later with a functional bowel disorder (95% CI, 1.6-3.6; P < .001), and 2.2-fold more likely to develop a mood disorder (CI, 1.4-3.5; P < .001) than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with diverticulitis could be at risk for later development of IBS and functional bowel disorders. We propose calling this disorder postdiverticulitis IBS. Diverticulitis appears to predispose patients to long-term gastrointestinal and emotional symptoms after resolution of inflammation; in this way, postdiverticulitis IBS is similar to postinfectious IBS.

Diverticular disease as a chronic illness: evolving epidemiologic and clinical insights

Diverticular disease imposes a significant burden on Western and industrialized societies. The traditional pathogenesis model posits that low dietary fiber predisposes to diverticulosis, and fecalith obstruction prompts acute diverticulitis that is managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics or surgery. However, a growing body of knowledge is shifting the paradigm of diverticular disease from an acute surgical illness to a chronic bowel disorder composed of recurrent abdominal symptoms and considerable psychosocial impact. New research implicates a role for low-grade inflammation, sensory-motor nerve damage, and dysbiosis in a clinical picture that mimics irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Far from being an isolated event, acute diverticulitis may be the catalyst for chronic symptoms including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and "post-diverticulitis IBS." In addition, studies reveal lower health-related quality of life in patients with chronic diverticular disease vs. controls. Health-care providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for the multifaceted presentations of diverticular disease, and remain aware that it might contribute to long-term emotional distress beyond traditional diverticulitis attacks. These developments are prompting a shift in therapeutic approaches from widespread antimicrobials and supportive care to the use of probiotics, mesalamine, and gut-directed antibiotics. This review addresses the emerging literature regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of chronic, symptomatic diverticular disease, and provides current answers to common clinical questions.

Obesity, physical inactivity, and colonic diverticular disease requiring hospitalization in women: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Lifestyle factors other than dietary fiber intake and risk for colonic diverticular disease have only been examined in few studies. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between obesity and physical inactivity and diverticular disease in a population-based cohort of women.

METHODS

This was a prospective population-based cohort study. In all, 36,592 women, born 1914-1948, in the Swedish Mammography Cohort were followed 1997-2009. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m(2)), physical activity, diet, smoking, and other lifestyle factors were collected at baseline through questionnaires. Cases of diverticular disease were identified from the Swedish Patient and Death Registers. Relative risks (RRs) of diverticular disease requiring hospitalization (or being the cause of death) according to BMI and physical activity were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. The multivariable models were adjusted for age; intake of dietary fiber; diabetes; hypertension; use of acetylsalicylate acid, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, or steroid medication; alcohol consumption; smoking; and educational level.

RESULTS

During 12 years, 626 cases of incident diverticular disease requiring hospitalization were found. Two women were registered in the National Death Register only. In multivariable analysis, women with BMI 25-29.99 had 29% increased risk (RR=1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.54) and obese women (BMI≥30) had 33% (1.33; 95% CI: 1.03-1.72) increased risk of diverticular disease compared to women with BMI 20-24.99. Exercise ≤30 min/day increased the risk for disease with 42% (1.42; 95% CI: 1.18-1.69) compared with exercise >30 min/day in multivariable analysis. Ninety-eight subjects were hospitalized due to complications; perforation or abscess. Women with BMI≥30 had a twofold (RR=2.00; 95% CI: 1.08-3.73; P=0.028) increased risk for complicated disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity among women increase diverticular disease requiring hospitalization.

Expanding applications: the potential usage of 5-aminosalicylic acid in diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is a common bowel condition, the pathogenesis of which is incompletely understood. Acute exacerbations of diverticular disease usually require dietary changes, antibiotic therapy, and may necessitate urgent surgery. Approximately 25-33% of patients experience symptomatic and acute inflammatory disease recurrence, suggesting that current long-term management is inadequate. Because inflammatory complications of diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, are similarities to inflammatory bowel diseases, evidence suggests that patients may respond to anti-inflammatory therapies used in these conditions. Here, we explore the rationale and evidence for use of inflammatory bowel disease treatment, namely 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA; mesalamine), in diverticular disease, and review clinical data on the efficacy of mesalamine either alone or in combination with other agents for the treatment of diverticular disease. PubMed and conference abstracts were searched for clinical studies examining the use of mesalamine in treating diverticular disease. Studies were evaluated for treatment efficacy in symptom reduction, recurrence prevention, or improving quality of life. The results of our search suggest that single-agent mesalamine can reduce diverticular disease symptoms and improve quality of life more effectively than antibiotic treatment alone. Mesalamine in combination with antibiotics can also reduce symptoms and improve quality of life with greater efficacy than either treatment alone. Combining mesalamine and probiotics treatments may reduce recurrent attacks of diverticular disease. Further randomized, well-controlled studies are required for validation; however, it seems that mesalamine is an important agent in future diverticular disease management.

Diet and risk of diverticular disease in Oxford cohort of European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC): prospective study of British vegetarians and non-vegetarians

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of a vegetarian diet and dietary fibre intake with risk of diverticular disease.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The EPIC-Oxford study, a cohort of mainly health conscious participants recruited from around the United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

47,033 men and women living in England or Scotland of whom 15,459 (33%) reported consuming a vegetarian diet.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diet group was assessed at baseline; intake of dietary fibre was estimated from a 130 item validated food frequency questionnaire. Cases of diverticular disease were identified through linkage with hospital records and death certificates. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the risk of diverticular disease by diet group and fifths of intake of dietary fibre were estimated with multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up time of 11.6 years, there were 812 cases of diverticular disease (806 admissions to hospital and six deaths). After adjustment for confounding variables, vegetarians had a 31% lower risk (relative risk 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.55 to 0.86) of diverticular disease compared with meat eaters. The cumulative probability of admission to hospital or death from diverticular disease between the ages of 50 and 70 for meat eaters was 4.4% compared with 3.0% for vegetarians. There was also an inverse association with dietary fibre intake; participants in the highest fifth (≥25.5 g/day for women and ≥26.1 g/day for men) had a 41% lower risk (0.59, 0.46 to 0.78; P<0.001 trend) compared with those in the lowest fifth (<14 g/day for both women and men). After mutual adjustment, both a vegetarian diet and a higher intake of fibre were significantly associated with a lower risk of diverticular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Consuming a vegetarian diet and a high intake of dietary fibre were both associated with a lower risk of admission to hospital or death from diverticular disease.

Epidemiological trends and geographic variation in hospital admissions for diverticulitis in the United States

AIM: To characterize the increasing incidence and geographic variation of acute diverticulitis.

METHODS: Using the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) we identified a cohort who had been admitted with diverticulitis between 1998 and 2005. We calculated age-, sex-, and region-specific rates of hospitalizations for diverticulitis over time.

RESULTS: The age-adjusted hospitalization rate for diverticulitis increased from 61.8 per 100 000 to 75.5 per 100 000 between 1998 and 2005, and increased similarly in both sexes. Diverticulitis-associated admissions were male-predominant in those younger than age 45 years but were female-predominant thereafter. Admission rates increased the most among those < 45 years, while remaining unchanged for those ≥ 65 years. By 2005, the majority of hospitalized patients were < 65 years. Age-adjusted rates of diverticulitis-associated hospitalizations were lower in the West (50.4/100 000) compared to the Northeast (77.7/100 000), South (73.9/100 000), and Midwest (71.0/100 000).

CONCLUSION: Diverticulitis-associated hospitalizations have steeply risen, especially in young adults. These epidemiological trends vary by geographic region and warrant further investigation into potential dietary and environmental etiologies.

Cigarette smoking and appendectomy: effect on clinical course of diverticulosis

AIM

To investigate the effect of appendectomy and cigarette smoking on the clinical course of diverticulosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study of 207 consecutive patients (45.8% male mean age 64.0 years), 150 with asymptomatic diverticulosis, and 57 with acute diverticulitis. Diagnosis of diverticulosis was defined on the basis of clinical and colonoscopic criteria, diverticulitis was defined by means of clinical, colonoscopic and computerised tomography criteria. Logistic regression function was used to define the relationship between the dependent variable (diverticulitis) and several covariates: sex, age, body mass index, smoking habit, and history of appendectomy.

RESULTS

According to the final model, the risk of diverticulitis was 4.94-fold higher (95% confidence interval: 1.98-12.37) in patients with a history of appendectomy with emergency resection, compared to patients not submitted to appendectomy or with a history of elective resection (P < 0.001); and 2.79-fold higher (95% confidence interval: 1.30-5.96) in smokers than in non-smokers (P = 0.008). The effects of the two determinants were found to be independent, thus the cumulative risk of diverticulitis was 13.78-fold higher for smokers with a history of emergency surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Smoking and emergency appendectomy are important predictive factors for the clinical course of diverticulosis.

Prospective randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of a short course of intravenously administered amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid followed by oral antibiotic in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis

INTRODUCTION

Medical treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is not standardized, and there is an enormous diversity in clinical practice. Our aim was to demonstrate that uncomplicated diverticulitis can be managed with orally administered amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid and a short hospital admission.

METHODS

A prospective randomized trial was established to compare patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis who received oral antibiotic after a short course of intravenous antibiotic with those who received intravenous antibiotic for a longer period. The antibiotic treatment consisted of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid 1 g every 8 h. We included 50 patients, 25 in each group. Patients in group 1 began oral antibiotic as soon as they improved and were discharged the day after. Patients in group 2 received intravenous antibiotic for 7 days. Both groups received oral antibiotic at discharge. The endpoint of the study was "failure of treatment," which was defined as the impossibility of discharging on the expected day, emergency admission, or hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable in patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Most patients clearly improved between 24 and 48 h after admission. There were no significant differences between the groups when comparing failure of treatment. Treatment of patients in group 1 represented a savings in hospitalization costs of 1,244<euro> per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can be managed safely with oral antibiotic; thus, a very short hospital stay is a safe option.

There is no increased risk for colorectal cancer and adenomas in patients with diverticulitis: a retrospective longitudinal study

AIM

This study was designed to assess the relationship between diverticulitis and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colonic adenomas.

METHOD

A retrospective study was longitudinally conducted. Patients who had been admitted to the hospital between 1990 and 2000 with diverticulitis were retrieved and the incidence of CRC and prevalence of colonic adenomas in these patients was determined. Data were collected from the electronic clinical and pathology records. The incidence of CRC and prevalence of adenomas in this patient cohort was compared with the general population. The patients were followed until 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 288 patients with diverticulitis were included (167 of whom were female patients [58%]). The mean age of patients at admittance for diverticulitis was 66 years (range: 27-92). CRC was detected in five patients (1.7%) (95% CI 0.8-3.5) with a mean age of 77 years; colonic adenomas were found in 18 patients (6.3%) (95% CI 4.3-9.0) with a mean age of 62 years. The lifetime risks of developing CRC and adenomas were presumed to be 4% and 20% respectively. Expected rates for CRC and adenomas in our patients were calculated as 17 (95% CI 4.0-8.6) and 69 patients (95% CI 20.1-28.3) respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a lower prevalence of CRC and colonic adenomas in patients with diverticulitis compared with the lifetime risk which means that diverticulitis is not a risk factor for development of CRC and adenomas. Long-term colonic screening after a negative colonoscopy for diverticulitis (generally performed several weeks after recovery) does not seem to be justified.

Nutriose, a prebiotic low-digestible carbohydrate, stimulates gut mucosal immunity and prevents TNBS-induced colitis in piglets

BACKGROUND

We investigated a prebiotic low-digestible carbohydrate (LDC) as a possible food ingredient to stimulate bowel functions in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The study aimed to assess a fermentable dextrin fiber (Nutriose) and its relationship to the immune management of the disease and the microbiota profile in colitis-bearing piglets.

METHODS

In a randomized placebo-controlled parallel blind preclinical study, 32 male piglets were fed LDC (4% Nutriose) or dextrose placebo for 44 days before being challenged with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) to induce colitis. We followed the microbiota profile using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted to 9 bacterial genera. Secretory IgA was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Inflammatory protein profiles were monitored in blood and colonic tissues. Both histological scoring of biopsy samples and live endoscopic scoring were used to measure colitis development.

RESULTS

Prior and continuing LDC supplementation alleviated the symptoms of colitis (body weight loss, bloody stools) induced by a TNBS challenge. This effect was associated with an improvement in endoscopic and histological scores. LDC was shown to selectively downregulate some of the proinflammatory factors and their concomitant pyretic events and to stimulate the Th2-related immune pathway (IL-10 and s-IgA).

CONCLUSIONS

At the dose tested, LDC is a well-tolerated prebiotic agent able to not only stimulate butyrogenic bacteria strains and reduce intestinal transit disorders and energy intake, but also to prevent chronic inflammatory intestinal injuries.

Perforation of sigmoid diverticulum following endoscopic polypectomy of an adenoma

Colonic polyps or carcinomas located within a colonic diverticulum are very rare phenomena. There are a few reports in the literature describing adenocarcinoma arising within colonic diverticulum. Endoscopic resection of the polyp poses a risk of perforation because of the lack of muscular coats in the diverticulum. Therefore, special care should be taken in the treatment of such patients.

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is associated with diverticular disease: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

A subset of patients with colonic diverticular disease have chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, and some have a clinical diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but whether IBS and diverticular disease are linked is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate this association in the community.

METHODS

A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted by mailing a valid symptom questionnaire to the eligible residents of Olmsted County, MN, aged 30-95 years. Colonic diverticular disease (diverticulosis and diverticulitis) was ascertained through a review of the complete medical history of all responders. Subjects with at least one relevant test (colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, CT colonography, or barium enema) were included. IBS was defined using Rome II criteria.

RESULTS

Among 2,267 eligible respondents, there were 1,712 subjects who had undergone colon testing (76%): 919 women (54%); mean (+/-s.d.) age 65 (+/-11 years). Colonic diverticular disease was identified in 44.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 42.1-46.8) of the subject. IBS was reported by 8.8% (95% CI 6.9-11.0) of men and 17.0% (95% CI 14.6-19.6) of women. After adjusting for age and gender, the presence of IBS was associated with an increased odds for diverticulosis (odds ratio (OR) =1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4) but not diverticulitis (OR=1.7, 95% CI 0.9-3.2). In those 65 years of age or older, the presence of IBS was associated with a ninefold higher odds for diverticulosis (OR=9.4, 95% CI 5.8-15.1). Relative to the non-IBS subgroup, diarrhea-predominant IBS and mixed IBS were significantly associated with an increased odds for diverticular disease (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2; OR=2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.4, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significantly increased odds for colonic diverticulosis in subjects with IBS (relative to those without IBS). These results suggest that IBS and colonic diverticular disease may be connected.

Review article: the current and evolving treatment of colonic diverticular disease

BACKGROUND

Formation of colonic diverticula, via herniation of the colonic wall, is responsible for the development of diverticulosis and consequently diverticular disease. Diverticular disease can be associated with numerous debilitating abdominal and gastrointestinal symptoms (including pain, bloating, nausea, constipation and diarrhoea).

AIMS

To review the state of treatment for diverticular disease and its complications, and briefly discuss potential future therapies.

METHODS

PubMed and recent conference abstracts were searched for articles describing the treatment of diverticular disease.

RESULTS

Many physicians will recommend alterations to lifestyle and increasing fibre consumption. Empirical antibiotics remain the mainstay of therapy for patients with diverticular disease and rifaximin seems to be the best choice. In severe or relapsing disease, surgical intervention is often the only remaining treatment option. Although novel treatment options are yet to become available, the addition of therapies based on mesalazine (mesalamine) and probiotics may enhance treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Data suggest that diverticular disease may share many of the hallmarks of other, better-characterized inflammatory bowel diseases; however, treatment options for patients with diverticular disease are scarce, revolving around antibiotic treatment and surgery. There is a need for a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of diverticular disease to design treatment regimens accordingly.

Obesity increases the risks of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Studies of obesity and diverticular complications are limited. We assessed the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio and diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 47,228 male health professionals (40-75 years old) who were free of diverticular disease in 1986 (baseline) was performed. Men reporting newly diagnosed diverticular disease on biennial follow-up questionnaires were sent supplemental questionnaires. Weight was recorded every 2 years, and data on waist and hip circumferences were collected in 1987.

RESULTS

We documented 801 incident cases of diverticulitis and 383 incident cases of diverticular bleeding during 18 years of follow-up. After adjustment for other risk factors, men with a BMI >or= 30 kg/m(2) had a relative risk (RR) of 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.94) for diverticulitis and 3.19 (95% CI, 1.45-7.00) for diverticular bleeding compared with men with a BMI of <21 kg/m(2). Men in the highest quintile of waist circumference, compared with those in the lowest, had a multivariable RR of 1.56 (95% CI, 1.18-2.07) for diverticulitis and 1.96 (95% CI, 1.30-2.97) for diverticular bleeding. Waist-to-hip ratio was also associated with the risk of diverticular complications when the highest and lowest quintiles were compared, with a multivariable RR of 1.62 (95% CI, 1.23-2.14) for diverticulitis and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.26-2.90) for diverticular bleeding. Adjustment for BMI did not change the associations seen for waist-to-hip ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large prospective cohort, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio significantly increased the risks of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.

Nut, corn, and popcorn consumption and the incidence of diverticular disease

CONTEXT

Patients with diverticular disease are frequently advised to avoid eating nuts, corn, popcorn, and seeds to reduce the risk of complications. However, there is little evidence to support this recommendation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether nut, corn, or popcorn consumption is associated with diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The Health Professionals Follow-up Study is a cohort of US men followed up prospectively from 1986 to 2004 via self-administered questionnaires about medical (biennial) and dietary (every 4 years) information. Men reporting newly diagnosed diverticulosis or diverticulitis were mailed supplemental questionnaires.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 47,228 men aged 40 to 75 years who at baseline were free of diverticulosis or its complications, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease and returned a food-frequency questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incident diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.

RESULTS

During 18 years of follow-up, there were 801 incident cases of diverticulitis and 383 incident cases of diverticular bleeding. We found inverse associations between nut and popcorn consumption and the risk of diverticulitis. The multivariate hazard ratios for men with the highest intake of each food (at least twice per week) compared with men with the lowest intake (less than once per month) were 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.01; P for trend = .04) for nuts and 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.92; P for trend = .007) for popcorn. No associations were seen between corn consumption and diverticulitis or between nut, corn, or popcorn consumption and diverticular bleeding or uncomplicated diverticulosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, prospective study of men without known diverticular disease, nut, corn, and popcorn consumption did not increase the risk of diverticulosis or diverticular complications. The recommendation to avoid these foods to prevent diverticular complications should be reconsidered.

Alternatives for macronutrient intake and chronic disease: a comparison of the OmniHeart diets with popular diets and with dietary recommendations

BACKGROUND

Enhancements to current dietary advice to prevent chronic disease are of great clinical and public health importance. The OmniHeart Trial compared 3 diets designed to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-one high in carbohydrate and 2 that replaced carbohydrate with either unsaturated fat or protein. The lower carbohydrate diets improved the CVD risk factors. Several popular diets claiming health benefits emphasize carbohydrate, fat, or protein or various combined approaches.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the macronutrient contents of the OmniHeart trial diets to those of several popular diets and to evaluate each diet for consistency with national health guidelines.

DESIGN

The macronutrient contents of 7-d menu plans from the OmniHeart Study, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Zone, Atkins, Mediterranean, South Beach, and Ornish diets were evaluated for consistency with the US Food and Nutrition Board's Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs) and with the dietary recommendations of several health organizations.

RESULTS

The OmniHeart diets fulfilled the major AMDRs, but, of the popular diets, only the Zone diet did. The OmniHeart diets were generally consistent with national guidelines to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, whereas most popular diets had limitations for fulfilling one or more guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the OmniHeart protein and unsaturated fat diets were superior to the carbohydrate diet in improving CVD risk, all 3 study diets were consistent with national guidelines to reduce chronic disease risk, which suggests that the guidelines might now be fine-tuned to optimize disease prevention. Popular diets vary in their nutritional adequacy and consistency with guidelines for risk reduction.

Association between colonic polyps and diverticular disease

AIM: To evaluate the association between colonic polyps and diverticular disease in Japan.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 672 consecutive patients who underwent total colonoscopy between August 2006 and April 2007 at Nishinjo Hospital, Okinawa, Japan. Patients with a history of any of the following were excluded from the study: previous polypectomy, colonic resection, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The association between colonic polyps and diverticular disease was analyzed by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS: Prevalence of colonic polyps in all patients with diverticular disease was significantly higher than that in those without diverticular disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.7).

CONCLUSION: Our data showed that patients with diverticular disease have a higher risk of colonic polyps compared to those without.

Complicated diverticular disease of the colon, do we need to change the classical approach, a retrospective study of 110 patients in southeast England

BACKGROUND

Complicated diverticular disease of the colon imposes a serious risk to patient's life, challenge to surgeons and has cost implications for health authority. The aim of this study is to evaluate the management outcome of complicated colonic diverticular disease in a district hospital and to explore the current strategies of treatment.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of all patients who were admitted to the surgical ward between May 2002 and November 2006 with a diagnosis of complicated diverticular disease. A proforma of patients' details, admission date, ITU admission, management outcomes and the follow up were recorded from the patients case notes and analyzed. The mean follow-up was 34 months (range 6-60 months)

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 72.7 years (range 39-87 years). Thirty-one men (28.18 %) and Seventy-nine women (71.81%) were included in this study. Male: female ratio was 1:2.5.Sixty-eight percent of patients had one or more co-morbidities. Forty-one patients (37.27%) had two or more episodes of diverticulitis while 41.8% of them had no history of diverticular disease.Eighty-six percent of patients presented with acute abdominal pain while bleeding per rectum was the main presentation in 14%. Constipation and erratic bowel habit were the commonest chronic symptoms in patients with history of diverticular disease. Generalized tenderness was reported in 64.28% while 35.71% have left iliac fossa tenderness. Leukocytosis was reported in 58 patients (52.72%).The mean time from the admission until the start of operative intervention was 20.57 hours (range 4-96 hours). Perforation was confirmed in 59.52%. Mortality was 10.90%. Another 4 (3.63%) died during follow up for other reasons.

CONCLUSION

Complicated diverticular disease carries significant morbidity and mortality. These influenced by patient-related factors. Because of high mortality and morbidities, we suggest the need to target a specific group of patients for prophylactic resection.

Epidemiology and management of diverticular disease of the colon

The aim of this review is mainly to show the high prevalence of diverticulosis and the clinical relevance of uncomplicated and complicated diverticular disease worldwide. The prevalence of diverticular disease is directly related to the aging of the population and in western countries is diagnosed in approximately 50–65% of adult subjects. The often more frequent adoption of an incorrect dietary style, such as a low-fiber diet, and the progressive increase in the average age of western populations will increase the prevalence of this pathology and the economic burden for health systems even more so. Furthermore, the management of uncomplicated diverticular disease, segmental colitis associated to diverticula and diverticulitis, which represent the different manifestations of the symptomatic spectrum of colonic diverticulosis, are reported.

Prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fiber in gastrointestinal disease

Microecology of the gastrointestinal tract is the physiologic basis for the effect of dietary fiber, prebiotics and probiotics on the host. The ecology consists of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the intestines, the foods that are fed into the tract, and the flora living within. Within this ecology, normal flora and probiotics, ferment dietary fiber and prebiotics to produce short chain fatty acids and substances that are absorbed and effect the host at the intestinal level and systemically. In this review, we will discuss the effects of prebiotics, probiotics and dietary fiber in gastrointestinal disorders and diseases.