Diverticulitis in young versus elderly patients: a meta-analysis

Clinical outcomes of diverticular disease in young adults: results from a tertiary referral center

Introduction

Diverticular disease (DD), commonly associated with the elderly, is becoming more prevalent among younger individuals. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the differences in the natural history and outcomes between young and old patients with DD.

Methods

Adult patients with DD diagnosed between 2010 and 2022 at an Italian tertiary referral center were enrolled, and their demographic and clinical data were retrieved. The patients were categorized as young or old based on the 25th percentile of the population's age at diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between the collected variables and the age of disease presentation. Additionally, survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between the age of diagnosis and clinical outcomes at follow-up, including disease recurrence, hospital access, surgery, and death.

Results

A total of 220 DD patients (with a median age of 66 years, IQR 55-74, and a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1) were included in the study, comprising 54 patients receiving a diagnosis before the age of 49 years (young DD patients) and 166 patients diagnosed after the age of 49 years (old DD patients). Male sex (57 vs. 36%, p < 0.01), smoking (38 vs. 14%, p < 0.01), and alcohol consumption (54 vs. 38%) were highly prevalent in young patients. The complications at the time of diagnosis, particularly abscesses and free perforations, occurred more frequently in younger patients (p = 0.04). Moreover, young DD patients experienced a higher rate of hospitalization and surgical intervention (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively) over a median follow-up period of 5 years.

Conclusion

Preventive strategies and prompt diagnosis are crucial in young patients with DD for achieving better disease outcomes and preventing complications.

Surgery for young onset diverticulitis: is it curative?

PURPOSE

Previously considered a disease of old age, diverticular disease is increasingly prevalent in younger populations. Guidelines on surgical resection have shifted from recommending resection for all young onset patients to an individualized approach. Therefore, we aim to determine demographics and outcomes including radiographic and surgical recurrence rates in patients < 40 years old undergoing resection for diverticular disease.

METHODS

A retrospective, single center study was performed. All patients ≤ 39 years undergoing operative intervention for left-sided diverticular disease between Jan 2010 and July 2017 were included. Recurrence was determined by individual review of imaging and operative reports.

RESULTS

Overall, 147 (n = 107/72.8% male, mean age = 34.93 ± 4.12 years) patients were included. The majority were ASA 1 or 2 (n = 41/27.9% and n = 82/55.8%). The most common surgical indication was uncomplicated diverticulitis (n = 77, 52.4%) followed by perforation (n = 26/17.7%). The majority (n = 108/73.5%) of cases were elective. Seventy-nine (57.3%) of all cases were performed laparoscopically. Primary anastomosis without diversion was the most common surgical outcome (n = 108/73.5%). Median length of stay was 5 (4, 7) days. There was no mortality. There were three (2.0%) intraoperative and 38 (25.9%) postoperative complications. The most common complication was anastomotic leak (n = 6/4.1%). The majority (n = 5) of leaks occurred after elective surgery. Two neoplastic lesions (1.3% of cohort) were found (1 adenoma with low-grade dysplasia/1 polyp cancer). Over a mean follow-up of 96 (74, 123) months, only 2 (1.3%) patients experienced a surgical or radiological recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Both neoplasia and recurrence after resection for diverticular disease in young onset patients are rare. Leaks after primary anastomosis even in the elective setting warrant careful consideration of a defunctioning ileostomy.

Acute Diverticulitis in Young Patients: A Review of the Changing Epidemiology and Etiology

Acute diverticulitis is one of the leading gastrointestinal causes for hospitalization. The incidence of acute diverticulitis has been increasing in recent years, especially in patients under 50 years old. Historically, acute diverticulitis in younger patients was felt to represent a separate entity, being more virulent and associated with a higher rate of recurrence. Accordingly, young patients were often managed differently to older counterparts. Our understanding of the natural history of this condition has evolved, and current clinical practice guidelines suggest age should not alter management. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the changing epidemiology of acute diverticulitis, consider potential explanations for the observed increased incidence in younger patients, as well as review the natural history of acute diverticulitis in the younger population.

The WSES/SICG/ACOI/SICUT/AcEMC/SIFIPAC guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute left colonic diverticulitis in the elderly

Acute left colonic diverticulitis (ALCD) in the elderly presents with unique epidemiological features when compared with younger patients. The clinical presentation is more nuanced in the elderly population, having higher in-hospital and postoperative mortality. Furthermore, geriatric comorbidities are a risk factor for complicated diverticulitis. Finally, elderly patients have a lower risk of recurrent episodes and, in case of recurrence, a lower probability of requiring urgent surgery than younger patients. The aim of the present work is to study age-related factors that may support a unique approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this problem in the elderly when compared with the WSES guidelines for the management of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis. During the 1° Pisa Workshop of Acute Care & Trauma Surgery held in Pisa (Italy) in September 2019, with the collaboration of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery (SICG), the Italian Hospital Surgeons Association (ACOI), the Italian Emergency Surgery and Trauma Association (SICUT), the Academy of Emergency Medicine and Care (AcEMC) and the Italian Society of Surgical Pathophysiology (SIFIPAC), three panel members presented a number of statements developed for each of the four themes regarding the diagnosis and management of ALCD in older patients, formulated according to the GRADE approach, at a Consensus Conference where a panel of experts participated. The statements were subsequently debated, revised, and finally approved by the Consensus Conference attendees. The current paper is a summary report of the definitive guidelines statements on each of the following topics: diagnosis, management, surgical technique and antibiotic therapy.

Predictors of Clinical Course and Outcomes of Acute Diverticulitis: The Role of Age and Ethnicity

Background and Objectives: Acute diverticulitis (AD) is the leading and most burdensome complication of colonic diverticulosis. However, risk factors for its development and predictors of its course are still poorly defined. In this regard, the association of a young age with a complicated course and worse outcome are still controversial. Moreover, little research has addressed the effect of ethnicity on the course of AD. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of these variables on AD’s course and outcome in the diverse and unique ethnic landscape of Israel. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the charts of patients with a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of AD. Patients’ outcomes and disease course, including hospitalization duration, complications, and recurrent episodes, were documented and compared among different age and ethnic groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of complicated AD. Results: Overall, 637 patients with AD were included, the majority (95%) had distal colon AD, and almost one quarter of them were aged less than 50 years. The majority of patients in the young age (<50) group were males (69.7%). Nonetheless, the rate of recurrent episodes (35.3% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.19), hospitalization duration (5 ± 4.7 vs. 6 ± 3.2, p = 0.09) and complications rate (17.3% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.16) were similar for both age groups. In the ethnicity group analysis, Arab minority patients had a first episode of AD at a significantly younger age compared to their Jewish counterparts (51.8 vs. 59.4 years, p < 0.001). However, factors such as a complicated course (16% vs. 15%; p = 0.08) and relapsing episode rates (33% vs. 38%; p = 0.36) did not differ significantly between groups. None of the variables, including young age and ethnic group, were predictors of complicated AD course in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: AD is increasingly encountered in young patients, especially in ethnic minority groups, but neither ethnicity nor young age was associated with worse outcomes.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Diverticulitis Outcomes and Risk of Recurrent Hospitalizations in Adults with Clinically Severe Obesity

PURPOSE

Clinically severe obesity (SO) is a known risk factor for worsened outcomes and recurrence of acute diverticulitis. Paucity of data exist on outcomes of diverticulitis after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for diverticulitis hospitalizations between the years 2010 and 2014. We restricted analysis to patients with SO and those who had bariatric surgery (BRS). Outcomes of mortality, surgical events, and recurrent diverticulitis admissions were compared using multivariable analysis and one-to-one propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Among 52,274 diverticulitis admissions, 91.2% (47,694) patients had SO and 8.8% (4580) had prior BRS. Patients with SO had higher odds of suffering mortality on index diverticulitis admission when compared to those with prior BRS [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 10.55; 95%CI 1.45,76.75]. Patients with SO were also more likely to undergo emergency surgery (aOR: 1.71; 95%CI 1.25,2.34) and colectomy (aOR: 1.45; 95%CI 1.26,1.68). Rates of recurrent diverticulitis readmissions within 30 days and 6 months were also higher in patients with SO compared to BRS patients (aOR: 7.94; 95%CI 1.09,57.83 and aOR: 1.98; 95%CI 1.14,3.43, respectively). Propensity score matching confirmed our findings of increased rates of mortality (OR: 17.28; 95%CI 2.02,147.6), recurrent diverticulitis, and worsened surgical outcomes within 30 days in patients with SO compared to BRS.

CONCLUSION

This study is first to show improved outcomes and less recurrent hospitalizations for diverticulitis after bariatric surgery compared to patients with clinically severe obesity. Further studies are needed to understand mechanisms leading to this improvement and the role of weight loss in prevention of severe diverticulitis.

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.

European Society of Coloproctology: guidelines for the management of diverticular disease of the colon

AIM

The goal of this European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) guideline project is to give an overview of the existing evidence on the management of diverticular disease, primarily as a guidance to surgeons.

METHODS

The guideline was developed during several working phases including three voting rounds and one consensus meeting. The two project leads (JKS and EA) appointed by the ESCP guideline committee together with one member of the guideline committee (WB) agreed on the methodology, decided on six themes for working groups (WGs) and drafted a list of research questions. Senior WG members, mostly colorectal surgeons within the ESCP, were invited based on publication records and geographical aspects. Other specialties were included in the WGs where relevant. In addition, one trainee or PhD fellow was invited in each WG. All six WGs revised the research questions if necessary, did a literature search, created evidence tables where feasible, and drafted supporting text to each research question and statement. The text and statement proposals from each WG were arranged as one document by the first and last authors before online voting by all authors in two rounds. For the second voting ESCP national representatives were also invited. More than 90% agreement was considered a consensus. The final phrasing of the statements with < 90% agreement was discussed in a consensus meeting at the ESCP annual meeting in Vienna in September 2019. Thereafter, the first and the last author drafted the final text of the guideline and circulated it for final approval and for a third and final online voting of rephrased statements.

RESULTS

This guideline contains 38 evidence based consensus statements on the management of diverticular disease.

CONCLUSION

This international, multidisciplinary guideline provides an up to date summary of the current knowledge of the management of diverticular disease as a guidance for clinicians and patients.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of disease severity and risk of recurrence in young versus elderly patients with left-sided acute diverticulitis

Young patients are thought to have a more severe disease course and a higher rate of recurrent diverticulitis. However, these understandings are mainly based on studies with important limitations. This review aimed to clarify the true natural history of acute diverticulitis in young patients compared to elderly patients. PubMed and MEDLINE were searched for studies reporting outcomes on disease severity or recurrences in young and elderly patients with a computed tomography-proven diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. Twenty-seven studies were included. The proportion of complicated diverticulitis at presentation (21 studies) was not different for young patients (age cut-off 40-50 years) compared to elderly patients [risk ratio (RR) 1.19; 95% confidence interval 0.94-1.50]. The need for emergency surgery (11 studies) or percutaneous abscess drainage (two studies) yielded comparable results for both groups with a RR of 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.70-1.24) and 1.65 (95% confidence interval 0.60-4.57), respectively. Crude data on recurrent diverticulitis rates (12 studies) demonstrated a significantly higher RR of 1.47 (95% confidence interval 1.20-1.80) for young patients. Notably, no association between age and recurrent diverticulitis was found in the studies that used survival analyses, taking length of follow-up per age group into account. In conclusion, young patients do not have a more severe course of acute diverticulitis. Published data on the risk of recurrent diverticulitis in young patients are conflicting, but those with the most robust design do not demonstrate an increased risk. Therefore, young patients should not be treated more aggressively nor have a lower threshold for elective surgery just because of their age.

The Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease of the colon

Since the publication of the 2008 guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease of the colon by the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología, significant advances have been made in the knowledge of that disease. A systematic review of articles published in the medical literature from January 2008 to July 2018 was carried out to revise and update the 2008 guidelines and provide new evidence-based recommendations. All high-quality articles in Spanish and English published within that time frame were included. The final versions of the 43 statements accepted in the three rounds of voting, utilizing the Delphi method, were written, and the quality of evidence and strength of the recommendations were established for each statement, utilizing the GRADE system. The present consensus contains new data on the definition, classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors of diverticular disease of the colon. Special emphasis is given to the usefulness of computed tomography and colonoscopy, as well as to the endoscopic methods for controlling bleeding. Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis is discussed, as well as the role of rifaximin and mesalazine in the management of complicated acute diverticulitis. Both its minimally invasive alternatives and surgical options are described, stressing their indications, limitations, and contraindications. The new statements provide guidelines based on updated scientific evidence. Each statement is discussed, and its quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendation are presented.

Emergency Department Burden of Diverticulitis in the USA, 2006-2013

GOALS

The aim of this study was to analyze recent trends in emergency department (ED) visits for diverticulitis between 2006 and 2013.

BACKGROUND

Acute diverticulitis is a serious medical condition that frequently leads to ED visits, hospitalizations, and surgeries resulting in a significant health care burden.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) records in which diverticulitis (ICD-9-CM codes 562.11 and 562.13) was the primary diagnosis in the ED between 2006 and 2013. The NEDS collects data from more than 25 million visits in over 950 hospital emergency departments and is weighted to provide national estimates. Our findings reflected patient and hospital characteristics such as demographics, geographical region, and total charges for ED and inpatient stays.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2013, the rate of diverticulitis-related ED visits increased by 26.8% from 89.8 to 113.9 visits per 100,000 population. The aggregate national cost of diverticulitis-related ED visits increased by 105%, from approximately $822 million in 2006 to over $1.6 billion in 2013. Cost data were adjusted for inflation and reported in 2015 dollars. The percentage of individuals admitted to the same hospital from the ED decreased from 58.0 to 47.1% from 2006 to 2013, respectively, while the rate of bowel surgeries per 100,000 ED visits for diverticulitis decreased by 33.7% from 2006 to 2013.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of ED visits due to diverticulitis and associated costs continued to rise between 2006 and 2013, while the rate of bowel surgeries and inpatient admissions through the ED for diverticulitis decreased.

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.

Diverticulitis: does age matter?

OBJECTIVE

Acute diverticulitis has been traditionally associated with worse outcome in young patients, indicating a more aggressive surgical approach is required for them. The aim of this study was to assess whether acute diverticulitis was more virulent in young patients.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional study included all patients who were admitted for a first episode of acute diverticulitis between January 2004 and December 2013. The patients were divided into two groups (≤50 years and >50 years) based on their age. Patients' characteristics, clinical and surgical data were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 636 patients were included in the database, including 177 (27.8%) in the younger group and 459 in the elder group. There were no significant differences between the groups in disease complexity, peritonitis, laboratory work-up, vital signs on presentation, bowel obstruction or the presence of fistula and abscess in need of drainage. Younger patients had more free extra-luminal air on computed tomography (CT) scan (P = 0.03). Surgical data, including the intra-operative modified Hinchey score and the need for emergency and additional surgery did not significantly differ between the two groups. Young patients had more readmissions (P = 0.01) due to acute diverticulitis, diverticular complications and elective surgery. Length of hospital stay (P = 0.0001) was longer and postoperative complications were more common in the elder patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical presentation of acute diverticulitis does not seem to be worse in the young population. Younger patients tend to have a more severe presentation on CT scan and more readmissions, but this did not translate to a more severe disease course.

The Decline of Elective Colectomy Following Diverticulitis: A Population-Based Analysis

BACKGROUND

The indications for interval elective colectomy following diverticulitis are unclear; evidence lends increasing support for nonoperative management.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the temporal trends in the use of elective colectomy following diverticulitis.

DESIGN

This is a population-based retrospective cohort study using administrative discharge data.

SETTING

This study was conducted in Ontario, Canada.

PATIENTS

Patients who had had an episode of diverticulitis managed nonoperatively and were eligible for elective colectomy, from 2002 to 2012, were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in the proportion of patients who undergo elective colectomy following an episode of diverticulitis treated nonoperatively were evaluated. Cochran-Armitage was used to test for trends; adjusted analysis was performed by using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

A total of 14,124 patients were admitted with an episode of diverticulitis and treated nonoperatively, making them eligible for interval elective colectomy. Median follow-up was 3.9 years (maximum, 10; interquartile range, 1.7-6.4). Overall, 1342 (9.5%) patients underwent elective colectomy; 33% of these colectomies were performed laparoscopically, and 7.5% patients received an ostomy. In-hospital mortality was 0.2%. The majority (76%) of elective operations were performed within 1 year of discharge (median, 160 days; interquartile range, 88-346). The proportion of patients undergoing elective colectomy within 1 year of discharge declined from 9.6% of patients in 2002 to 3.9% by 2011 (p < 0.001). The decline was most pronounced in patients <50 years of age (from 17% to 5%), and those with complicated disease (from 28% to 8%) (all p < 0.001). In multivariable regression, younger age, lower medical comorbidity, complicated disease, and early readmission were associated with elective colectomy. After adjusting for changes in patient characteristics, the odds of elective surgery decreased by 0.93 per annum (adjusted OR; 95% CI, 0.90-0.95).

LIMITATIONS

Administrative health databases contain limited clinical detail; the rationale for elective surgery was not available.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with evolving practice guidelines, there has been a decrease in the use of elective colectomy following an episode of diverticulitis.

Review article: The pathogenesis and management of acute colonic diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

Acute diverticulitis, defined as acute inflammation associated with a colonic diverticulum, is a common emergency presentation managed by both surgeons and physicians. There have been advances in both the medical and the surgical treatments offered to patients in recent years.

AIM

To review the current understanding of the aetiology and treatment of acute diverticulitis.

METHODS

A search of PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify articles relevant to the aetiology, pathogenesis and management of acute diverticulitis.

RESULTS

There are 75 hospital admissions per year for acute diverticulitis per 100,000 of the population in the United States. Recent reports suggest a 26% increase in admissions over a 7-year period. Factors predisposing to the development of acute diverticulitis include obesity, smoking, diet, lack of physical activity and medication use such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The condition is associated with a low mortality of about 1% following medical therapy, rising to 4% in-hospital mortality in those requiring surgery. There is limited evidence on the efficacy of individual antibiotic regimens, and antibiotic treatment may not be required in all patients. The rates of recurrence reported for patients with acute diverticulitis following medical management vary from 13% to 36%. The surgical management of those patients who fail medical treatment has moved towards a laparoscopic nonresectional approach; however, the evidence supporting this is limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Further high-quality randomised controlled trials are required of both medical and surgical treatments in patients with acute diverticulitis, if management is to be evidence-based.