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Calini G, Abd El Aziz MA, Paolini L, Abdalla S, Rottoli M, Mari G, Larson DW. Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD): Practical Guidance and Challenges for Clinical Management. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2023; 16:29-43. [PMID: 37013200 PMCID: PMC10066719 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s340929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD) is a syndrome within the diverticular disease spectrum, characterized by local abdominal pain with bowel movement changes but without systemic inflammation. This narrative review reports current knowledge, delivers practical guidance, and reveals challenges for the clinical management of SUDD. A broad and common consensus on the definition of SUDD is still needed. However, it is mainly considered a chronic condition that impairs quality of life (QoL) and is characterized by persistent left lower quadrant abdominal pain with bowel movement changes (eg, diarrhea) and low-grade inflammation (eg, elevated calprotectin) but without systemic inflammation. Age, genetic predisposition, obesity, physical inactivity, low-fiber diet, and smoking are considered risk factors. The pathogenesis of SUDD is not entirely clarified. It seems to result from an interaction between fecal microbiota alterations, neuro-immune enteric interactions, and muscular system dysfunction associated with a low-grade and local inflammatory state. At diagnosis, it is essential to assess baseline clinical and Quality of Life (QoL) scores to evaluate treatment efficacy and, ideally, to enroll patients in cohort studies, clinical trials, or registries. SUDD treatments aim to improve symptoms and QoL, prevent recurrence, and avoid disease progression and complications. An overall healthy lifestyle - physical activity and a high-fiber diet, with a focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables - is encouraged. Probiotics could effectively reduce symptoms in patients with SUDD, but their utility is missing adequate evidence. Using Rifaximin plus fiber and Mesalazine offers potential in controlling symptoms in patients with SUDD and might prevent acute diverticulitis. Surgery could be considered in patients with medical treatment failure and persistently impaired QoL. Still, studies with well-defined diagnostic criteria for SUDD that evaluate the safety, QoL, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions using standard scores and comparable outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Calini
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mohamed A Abd El Aziz
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Internal Medicine Department, MercyOne North Iowa, Mason City, IA, USA
| | - Lucia Paolini
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Solafah Abdalla
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Oncologic and Digestive Surgery, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre University Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Rottoli
- Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Mari
- Department of Laparoscopic and Oncological General Surgery, ASST Brianza, Desio Hospital, Desio, Italy
| | - David W Larson
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Recurrent diverticulitis after elective surgery. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:2149-2155. [PMID: 36048197 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-022-04248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elective sigmoid resection is proposed as a treatment for symptomatic diverticular disease for the possible improvement in quality of life achievable. Albeit encouraging results have been reported, recurrent diverticulitis is still a concern deeply affecting quality of life. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of recurrent diverticulitis after elective sigmoid resection and to look for possible perioperative risk factors. METHODS Patients who underwent elective resection for DD with at least a 3-year follow-up were included. Postoperative recurrence was defined as left-sided or lower abdominal pain, with CT scan-confirmed findings of diverticulitis. RESULTS Twenty of 232 (8.6%) patients developed CT-proven recurrent diverticulitis after elective surgery. All the 20 recurrent diverticulitis were uncomplicated and did not need surgery. Eighty-five percent of the recurrences occurred in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of uncomplicated DD, 70% in patients who had at least 4 episodes of diverticulitis, and 70% in patients with a history of diverticulitis extended to the descending colon. Univariate analysis showed that recurrence was associated with diverticulitis of the sigmoid and of the descending colon (p = 0.04), with a preoperative diagnosis of IBS (p = 0.04) and with a longer than 5 years diverticular disease (p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis was not able to determine risks factors for recurrence. CONCLUSION Our study showed that patients with a preoperative diagnosis of IBS, diverticulitis involving the descending colon, and a long-lasting disease are more likely to have recurrent diverticulitis. However, these variables could not be assumed as risk factors.
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