Free perforation during the first episode of acute diverticulitis: can it be avoided?

The aims of the present study are to compare the severity of acute diverticulitis in the first episode and in later bouts, and to determine whether there are risk factors for the presence of free perforation at the onset of diverticulitis. A single-center retrospective study was conducted of patients who developed a first episode of acute diverticulitis between January 2011 and August 2021 diagnosed by computed tomography and followed up for at least 1 year. Free perforation was considered to be present in patients with diverticulitis stage III and IV according to the Hinchey classification (modified by Wasvary). The analysis included 394 patients (224 men and 170 women) with a mean age of 58 years. Forty-eight patients (12.2%) presented free perforation at some point in the course of the disease, 43 during the first episode and 5 during subsequent bouts. The perforation subgroup showed higher rates of stoma creation and mortality (relative risks of 12.3 and 23.5, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.041 95% CI 1.016-1.067), lung disease (OR 2.154 95% CI 1.038-4.472) and immunosuppression (OR: 2.812 95% CI 1.315-6.015) were independent factors for free perforation at diverticulitis onset. Free perforation occurs more frequently during the first episode of acute diverticulitis. Older patients, immunosuppressed patients and those with respiratory disease have a greater risk of presenting freely perforated diverticulitis. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a high level of clinical suspicion in these patients to activate early focus control and thus avoid fatal outcomes.

Treating a Bypass with Bypass Surgery: Repair of a Duodeno-sigmoid Fistula Complicating Acute Diverticulitis

Diverticular disease is common in Western countries; one-third of patients with diverticular disease develop diverticulitis during their lifetime of whom 5% may experience serious complications. We describe a rare complication of diverticulitis: a duodeno-colic fistula in a patient with an elongated sigmoid colon (dolicosigma). The patient complained of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and feculent vomiting. Radiological studies and gastroscopy demonstrated a fistula between the second portion of the duodenum and the sigmoid colon. Curative surgery cured the fistula and completely resolved its associated signs and symptoms.

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

AIM

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

METHOD

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Emergency medicine updates: Acute diverticulitis

INTRODUCTION

Acute diverticulitis is a condition commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). Therefore, it is important for emergency medicine clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this disease.

OBJECTIVE

This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning acute diverticulitis for the emergency clinician.

DISCUSSION

Diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis and most commonly affects the sigmoid and descending colon in Western countries. History and examination can suggest the diagnosis, with abdominal pain and tenderness in the left lower quadrant being the most common symptom and sign, respectively. Change in bowel habits and fever may also occur. Laboratory testing may demonstrate leukocytosis or an elevated C-reactive protein. Imaging options can include computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound (US), though most classification systems for diverticulitis incorporate CT findings. While the majority of diverticulitis cases are uncomplicated, complications may affect up to 25% of patients. Treatment of complicated diverticulitis requires antibiotics and surgical consultation. Antibiotics are not required in select patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis. Appropriate patients for supportive care without antibiotics should be well-appearing, have pain adequately controlled, be able to tolerate oral intake, be able to follow up, have no complications, and have no immunocompromise or severe comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of literature updates can improve the ED care of patients with acute diverticulitis.

What are the differences between the three most used classifications for acute colonic diverticulitis? A comparative multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis is one of the most common clinical conditions encountered by surgeons in the acute setting. Currently, the most popular classifications, based on radiological findings, are the modified Hinchey, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), and World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) classifications. We hypothesize that all classifications are equivalent in predicting outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 597 patients from four medical centers between 2014 and 2021. Based on clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings, patients were graded according to the three classifications. Regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to compare six outcomes: need for intervention, complications, major complications (Clavien-Dindo >2), reintervention, hospital length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 597 patients were included. Need for intervention, morbidity, and reintervention rates significantly increased with increasing AAST, modified Hinchey, and WSES grades. The area under the curve (AUC) for the need for intervention was 0.84 for AAST and 0.81 for modified Hinchey ( p = 0.039). The AUC for major complications was 0.75 for modified Hinchey and 0.70 for WSES ( p = 0.009). No differences were found between the three classifications when comparing AUCs for mortality, complications, and reintervention rates.

CONCLUSION

The AAST, WSES, and modified Hinchey classifications are similar in predicting complications, reintervention, and mortality rates. American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and modified Hinchey scores result the most adequate for predicting the need for surgery and the occurrence of major complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Transverse colon diverticulitis mimicking acute appendicitis

Diverticulitis in a solitary transverse colon diverticulum is uncommon, with only a handful of cases documented in the literature. There are various clinical manifestations of the disease, which make clinical and radiological diagnosis rather challenging. Herein, we present a case of a premenopausal female patient in her late 40s who presented to the emergency department, complaining of right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia and fever. Following clinical, biochemical and radiological tests, the patient was prepared for surgical operation, with the presumed diagnosis of acute appendicitis. An appendicectomy was planned via a McBurney incision. Notably, no inflammation of the appendix was discovered. However, on further exploration, an inflammatory mass was identified in the transverse colon, which was subsequently excised and sent for histological examination. The histology results confirmed the presence of a ruptured solitary transverse colon diverticulum, accompanied by an adjacent mesenteric abscess. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Is reassessment of Computed Tomography Reports Worthwhile in Acute Diverticulitis?

INTRODUCTION

Since the assessment of the disease severity in acute diverticulitis (AD) is of utmost importance to determine the optimal treatment and the need for follow-up investigations, we wanted to investigate whether the first CT report is compatible with daytime reassessment report and whether the value of initial report changes according to the experience of the radiologist.

METHODS

Consecutive patients from tertiary referral centre with AD were included. CT images done in the emergency department were initially analysed by either resident radiologists or consultant radiologists and then later reanalysed by consultant abdominal radiologists. Discrepancies between reports were noted.

RESULTS

Of total of 562 patients with AD, CT images were reanalysed in 439 cases. In 22 reports (5.0%) the final report was significantly different from the initial report and management changed in 20 cases. In reports of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis, reanalysis changed initial assessment in 4.0% of the cases and in complicated acute diverticulitis (CAD) in 9.1%. When consultant and resident radiologists were compared, there was no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Although no statistical difference could be noted between residents and consultants, the final report was significantly different in overall 5% of the cases when reanalysed at normal working hours by an experienced consultant abdominal radiologist. Therefore, we conclude that reassessment of CT reports is worthwhile in AD.

Performance of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Acute Colonic Diverticulitis

OBJECTIVES

Computed tomography is regarded as the reference-standard imaging modality for the assessment of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis (ALCD). However, its utility may be impaired by cost issues, limited availability, radiation exposure, and contrast-related adverse effects. Ultrasonography is increasingly advocated as an alternative technique for evaluating ALCD, although there is variation regarding its accuracy in disease diagnosis and staging and in determining alternative diagnoses. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of ultrasonography in diagnosing ALCD, differentiating complicated from non-complicated disease and defining alternative diseases related to left lower quadrant pain.

METHODS

Within a 2-year period, all consecutive adult patients with clinically suspected ALCD and available abdominal computed tomography were prospectively evaluated and planned to undergo an abdominal ultrasonographic examination, tailored to the assessment of left lower quadrant. Computed tomography (CT) was regarded as the reference standard.

RESULTS

A total of 132 patients (60 males, 72 females; mean age: 61.3 ± 11 years) were included. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve of ultrasonography for diagnosing ALCD were 88.6, 84.9, and 86.8%, with positive and negative predictive values of 89.7 and 83.3%, respectively. The method had sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve of 77.8, 100, and 88.9%, respectively, for defining complicated disease. The area under the curve for the identification of alternative diseases in patients with left lower quadrant pain was 90.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography has high diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing ALCD, differentiating complicated from non-complicated disease and establishing alternative diagnoses related to left lower quadrant pain. A low threshold to get a CT should be maintained as not to miss cases that may mimic ALCD.

Colon CApsule endoscopy compared to conventional COlonoscopy in patients with colonic DIverticulitis: the study protocol for a randomised controlled superiority trial (CACODI trial)

INTRODUCTION

Follow-up after an episode of colonic diverticulitis is a common indication for colonoscopy, even though studies have shown a low risk of positive findings in this population. Our objective is to investigate colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) as a follow-up examination in patients with colonic diverticulitis compared with colonoscopy, particularly regarding patient satisfaction and clinical performance.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial. Patients seen at Odense University Hospital with acute diverticulitis confirmed by CT will be included and randomised to either follow-up by colonoscopy or CCE. Detection of suspected cancer, more than two polyps or any number of polyps larger than 9 mm in CCE will generate an invitation to a diagnostic colonoscopy for biopsies or polyp removal. We will compare colonoscopy and CCE regarding patient satisfaction and tolerance, the number of complete examinations, the number of patients referred to a subsequent colonoscopy after CCE and the prevalence of diverticula, polyps, cancers and other abnormal findings.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before randomisation. The study was approved by the regional ethics committee (ref. S-20210127) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (ref. 22/43235). After completion of the trial, we plan to publish two articles in high-impact journals. One article on both primary and secondary outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05700981.

Conservative management of complicated colonic diverticulitis: long-term results

BACKGROUND

The management of recurrent diverticulitis after initial non-operative treatment remains controversial. Recurrences after medical treatment have been described up to 36% but only 3 to 5% develop complicated disease.

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of conservative treatment during a prolonged follow-up after first episode of complicated diverticulitis.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study describes the conservative management and outcomes of 207 with complicated acute colonic diverticulitis treated at Parma University Hospital from 1 January 2012 until 31 December 2019. The follow-up was performed until December 2020. Diverticulitis severity was staged according to WSES CT driven classification for acute diverticulitis.

RESULTS

We enrolled 207 patients (118 males, 89 females). The mean age was 59 ± 14.5 years. CT scan of the abdomen was always performed. Almost all patients were treated with bowel rest and antibiotics (98.5%). Percutaneous drainage of abscessed diverticulitis was performed 12 times (5.7%). Average follow-up was 48 ± 28.8 months. 79 patients had new episodes of diverticulitis (38.1%) and 23 patients had high severity new episodes (11.1%). 11 patients underwent surgery (7.7%). Lower CT-Stages showed a higher recurrence rate (P = 0.002). Grade III diverticulitis showed a lower recurrence rate (P = 0.007). Patients with chronic NSAID use showed a higher incidence of high severity new episodes (P = 0.039). No recurrence rate differences were noted among patients with or without home therapy (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-operative treatment is an effective and safe option in selected patients with complicated diverticulitis. The recurrence's severity is generally lower than the previous episodes and this can justify the conservative management.

Risk for colorectal cancer after computed tomography verified acute diverticulitis: A retrospective cohort study with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can mimic acute diverticulitis and can thus be misdiagnosed. Therefore, colonic evaluation is recommended after an episode of acute diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of CRC after computed tomography (CT) verified uncomplicated and complicated acute diverticulitis in short-term and, particularly, long-term follow-up to ensure the feasibility of the primary CT imaging in separating patients with uncomplicated and complicated acute diverticulitis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with CT-verified acute diverticulitis in 2003-2012. Data on CT findings and colonic evaluations were analyzed. The patients were divided into those with uncomplicated and complicated acute diverticulitis. Patient charts were reviewed 9-18 years after the initial acute diverticulitis episode.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 270 patients. According to CT scans, 170 (63%) patients had uncomplicated acute diverticulitis and 100 (37%) had complicated acute diverticulitis. Further colonic evaluation was made in 146 (54%) patients. In the whole study population, CRC was found in 7 (2.6%) patients, but CRC was associated with acute diverticulitis in only 4 (1.5%) patients. The short-term risk for CRC was 0.6% (1/170) in uncomplicated acute diverticulitis and 3.0% (3/100) in complicated acute diverticulitis. No additional CRC was found in patients with complicated acute diverticulitis during the long-term follow-up and three cases of CRC found after uncomplicated acute diverticulitis had no observable association with previous diverticulitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In short-term follow-up, the risk of underlying CRC is very low in CT-verified uncomplicated acute diverticulitis but increased in complicated acute diverticulitis. Long-term follow-up revealed no additional CRCs associated with previous acute diverticulitis, indicating that the short-term results remain consistent also in the long run. These long-term results confirm that colonoscopy should be reserved for patients with complicated acute diverticulitis or with persisting or alarming symptoms.

Management of acute diverticulitis with pericolic free gas (ADIFAS): an international multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

There are no specific recommendations regarding the optimal management of this group of patients. The World Society of Emergency Surgery suggested a nonoperative strategy with antibiotic therapy, but this was a weak recommendation. This study aims to identify the optimal management of patients with acute diverticulitis (AD) presenting with pericolic free air with or without pericolic fluid.

METHODS

A multicenter, prospective, international study of patients diagnosed with AD and pericolic-free air with or without pericolic free fluid at a computed tomography (CT) scan between May 2020 and June 2021 was included. Patients were excluded if they had intra-abdominal distant free air, an abscess, generalized peritonitis, or less than a 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the rate of failure of nonoperative management within the index admission. Secondary outcomes included the rate of failure of nonoperative management within the first year and risk factors for failure.

RESULTS

A total of 810 patients were recruited across 69 European and South American centers; 744 patients (92%) were treated nonoperatively, and 66 (8%) underwent immediate surgery. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Hinchey II-IV on diagnostic imaging was the only independent risk factor for surgical intervention during index admission (odds ratios: 12.5, 95% CI: 2.4-64, P =0.003). Among patients treated nonoperatively, at index admission, 697 (94%) patients were discharged without any complications, 35 (4.7%) required emergency surgery, and 12 (1.6%) percutaneous drainage. Free pericolic fluid on CT scan was associated with a higher risk of failure of nonoperative management (odds ratios: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.2-19.9, P =0.023), with 88% of success compared to 96% without free fluid ( P <0.001). The rate of treatment failure with nonoperative management during the first year of follow-up was 16.5%.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AD presenting with pericolic free gas can be successfully managed nonoperatively in the vast majority of cases. Patients with both free pericolic gas and free pericolic fluid on a CT scan are at a higher risk of failing nonoperative management and require closer observation.

A multicentre study assessing the role of routine colonoscopy after acute uncomplicated diverticulitis and the incidence of colorectal cancer diagnosis

PURPOSE

The low rates of colonic malignancy detected on interval colonoscopy for patients diagnosed with diverticulitis have led recent studies to question the utility of the practice. The aim of this study was to assess the detection rate of colorectal cancer on colonoscopy for patients with a first episode of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis across three separate centres in Ireland and the UK.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients with a first episode of acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis who underwent interval colonoscopy at three separate centres in the UK and Ireland between 2007 and 2019. The follow-up period was one year.

RESULTS

A total of 5485 patients were admitted with acute diverticulitis between the three centres. All patients had CT verified diverticulitis. A 90.8% (n = 4982) underwent subsequent colonic evaluation with colonoscopy. Of these, a histologically proven diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma was made in 1.28% (n = 64).

CONCLUSION

Routine colonoscopy following an episode of acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis may not be necessary in every patient. It may be appropriate to reserve this more invasive investigation for those with higher risk factors for malignancy.

Evaluation of a treatment pathway for the management of uncomplicated diverticulitis

INTRODUCTION

Recent clinical practice recommendations have radically modified the management of colonic diverticulitis. The goal of our study was to evaluate a treatment pathway for uncomplicated diverticulitis and to analyze the outcome (patient compliance, treatment failure and complications).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients who presented to the emergency department with the diagnosis of uncomplicated diverticulitis were prospectively included in this study. The treatment pathway included an outpatient clinical re-assessment by a gastrointestinal surgeon. In case of symptomatic treatment failure, oral antibiotics were prescribed. If developed clinical signs of severity developed, the patient was referred to the emergency department for new laboratory and imaging workup.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were included. The mean interval before re-assessment was 2.8 days. Fifty-nine patients (67.8%) had symptomatic treatment upon discharge from the emergency department and were reassessed as outpatients by the surgical team. Patient evolution was satisfactory for 45 (76.3%); 10 (16.9%) required oral antibiotics. One (1.7%) patient developed complicated diverticulitis. Thirty-four (39.1%) patients did not comply with the current recommendations.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated effectively in an ambulatory setting followed by early re-assessment by a surgeon.

Managing a patient with acute colonic diverticulitis

ABSTRACT

Acute diverticulitis is a common condition in Western society with the potential for substantial patient morbidity. Depending on the severity, the patient's clinical presentation and treatment options vary considerably, leaving uncertainty about optimal management. Traditionally, surgery was recommended to prevent complications, persistent symptoms, and recurrent episodes. Improvements in the understanding of the disease's natural history, diagnostic imaging, and long-term outcomes have prompted changes to diagnosis and treatment guidelines.

First episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Danish guidelines recommend colonoscopy after a case of acute diverticulitis to exclude colorectal cancer (CRC), but evidence in support this practice is limited. A series of studies has reported a low incidence of CRC in patients after they presented with acute diverticulitis, especially in uncomplicated cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of CRC after acute diverticulitis detected during colonoscopy.

METHODS

All patients seen between January 2010 and November 2017 with a first episode of acute diverticulitis and a subsequent computed tomography and colonoscopy were included.

RESULTS

A total of 332 patients were included in the study. The incidence of CRC after a case of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis was 0.8%. The incidence of malignancy was 2.8% in the group of patients with complicated diverticulitis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a low risk of CRC after a case of acute diverticulitis and no cases of CRC in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis without clinical symptoms of CRC. This indicates that revising guidelines in regards to follow-up after diverticulitis may be warranted.

FUNDING

none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.

Increased accuracy in diagnosing diverticulitis using predictive clinical factors

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify clinical factors leading to increased diagnostic accuracy for acute colonic diverticulitis.

METHODS

Patients with clinical suspicion of acute colonic diverticulitis verified with computed tomography (CT) from two hospitals in Sweden between 9 January 2017 and 31 October 2017 were prospectively included. Symptoms, comorbidities, and laboratory results were documented. Candidate variables were analyzed using logistic regression, and the final variable set that yielded the most accurate predictions was identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

In total, 146 patients were included (73% women; median age 68 years; age range, 50-94 years). The clinical diagnostic accuracy was 70.5%. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, gender (female vs male odds ratio [OR]: 4.82; confidence interval [CI], 1.56-14.91), age (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98), pain on the lower left side of the abdomen (OR, 15.14; 95% CI, 2.65-86.58), and absence of vomiting (OR, 14.02; 95% CI, 2.90-67.88) were statistically significant and associated with the diagnosis of CT-verified diverticulitis. With seven predictors (age, gender, urinary symptoms, nausea, temperature, C-reactive protein, and pain left lower side), the area under the ROC curve was 0.82, and a formula was developed for calculating a risk score.

CONCLUSION

We present a scoring system using common clinical variables that can be applied to patients with clinical suspicion of colonic diverticulitis to increase the diagnostic accuracy. The developed scoring system is available for free of charge at https://phille-wagner.shinyapps.io/Diverticulitis_risk_model/.

The Management of Acute Colonic Diverticulitis in the COVID-19 Era: A Scoping Review

Background and Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems worldwide made major changes to their organization, delaying diagnosis and treatment across a broad spectrum of pathologies. Concerning surgery, there was an evident reduction in all elective and emergency activities, particularly for benign pathologies such as acute diverticulitis, for which we have identified a reduction in emergency room presentation with mild forms and an increase with more severe forms. The aim of our review was to discover new data on emergency presentation for patients with acute diverticulitis during the Covid-19 pandemic and their current management, and to define a better methodology for surgical decision-making. Method: We conducted a scoping review on 25 trials, analyzing five points: reduced hospital access for patients with diverticulitis, the preferred treatment for non-complicated diverticulitis, the role of CT scanning in primary evaluation and percutaneous drainage as a treatment, and changes in surgical decision-making and preferred treatment strategies for complicated diverticulitis. Results: We found a decrease in emergency access for patients with diverticular disease, with an increased incidence of complicated diverticulitis. The preferred treatment was conservative for non-complicated forms and in patients with COVID-related pneumonia, percutaneous drainage for abscess, or with surgery delayed or reserved for diffuse peritonitis or sepsis. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic we observed an increased number of complicated forms of diverticulitis, while the total number decreased, possibly due to delay in hospital or ambulatory presentation because of the fear of contracting COVID-19. We observed a greater tendency to treat these more severe forms by conservative means or drainage. When surgery was necessary, there was a preference for an open approach or a delayed operation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the diagnosis and management of acute colonic diverticulitis: a review of current and future use

Diverticular disease is one of the most common causes of outpatient visits and hospitalisations across Australia, North America and Europe. According to the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA, 2010), approximately 33% of Australians over 45 years of age and 66% over 85 years of age have some form of colonic diverticulosis. Patients with colonic diverticulosis are known to develop subsequent complications such as acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD), and when more than one attack of diverticulitis occurs, there is a 70-90% chance that the individual will experience ongoing problems and recurring infections throughout their lifetime. Medical imaging is fundamental in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of ACD and its complications, with Computed Tomography (CT) identified as the prevailing gold standard in the last few decades. Cross-database searching highlighted a large gap in the literature regarding the effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a non-ionising radiation alternative imaging tool for ACD imaging after the mid-2000s, despite ongoing technological advancements in this modality. This narrative review identified 13 key publications (11 primary prospective cohort studies, 1 systematic review and 1 meta-analysis) that evaluate MRI for ACD imaging, of which five were published within the last decade. Several existing MRI protocols are deemed suitable for ACD imaging, and it is recommended they be re-evaluated in larger cohorts. Future studies should consider the rapidly growing technological improvements of MRI, its cost efficiency and its applicability in modern day healthcare settings when addressing ACD management. This is especially important considering the gradual rise in radiation dose among the Australian population attributable to increased CT referrals, alongside increased reporting of ACD cases in younger individuals.

Ultrasound can differentiate complicated and noncomplicated acute colonic diverticulitis: a prospective comparative study with computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively assess the diagnostic value of intestinal ultrasound (US) compared to computerized tomography (CT) in differentiating uncomplicated and complicated acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During a period of 14 months patients referred to the department of Radiology with clinical suspicion of ACD underwent an US examination. All confirmed US ACD diagnosis were included and subsequently underwent an emergency abdominal CT, used as gold standard. The WSES (World Society for Emergent Surgery) classification of diverticulitis was used. Diverticulitis was prospectively classified as either uncomplicated or complicated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of US were evaluated. Before CT scan, the radiologist indicated whether they would have required or not a complementary CT scan, based on US findings.

RESULTS

Of the 240 patients included in our study, 71 (29.6%) were Stage 0, 127 (53%) Stage 1A, and 42 (17.5%) were moderate-severe ACD (stages 1B, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4). The sensitivity of US for diagnosing complicated ACD was 84% and specificity of 95.8%. Most patients (24 of 27) misclassified by US as uncomplicated diverticulitis were classified on CT as stage 1A. From the 148 cases in which the radiologist considered CT unnecessary, only 3 of these revealed signs of complicated ACD on CT; none of them required emergency surgery.

CONCLUSION

US is an effective technique to differentiate complicated from uncomplicated ACD. Our results suggest that US, may be a valuable alternative to CT for the initial radiologic evaluation in patients with clinical suspicion of ACD.

Post-Diverticulitis Colonoscopy Was Not Associated with Higher Colonic Adenoma and Carcinoma: A Multicenter Case-Control Study

Background and Objectives: Colonoscopy following an episode of acute diverticulitis is currently recommended to rule out underlying colon cancer. However, a number of studies have debated this recommendation. We aimed to explore whether patients with colonic diverticulosis who experienced an episode of acute diverticulitis had higher prevalence colonic pathologies, essentially colonic adenomas and colorectal carcinoma (CRC) on a follow-up colonoscopy. Materials and Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective study that included patients with a diagnosis diverticulosis as the control group and allocated patients after diverticulitis according to computed tomography (CT) scan and clinical presentation that had performed colonoscopy within 6 months from the acute diverticulitis episode. We compared the detection rate of colonic pathologic findings in both groups. Results: Overall, 367 patients were included. Of them, 134 patients experienced an episode of diverticulitis vs. 233 patients who did not have diverticulitis. On univariate analysis, there was no difference between all pathological findings (CRC, colonic adenomas; OR (odds ratio) 1.51, p = 0.085), and even for each pathological findings alone, there was no difference (for colonic adenomas, p = 0.07; for CRC, p = 0.87). Further sub-analysis revealed that only male gender (OR 4.03, p = 0.004) and smoking (OR 8.67, p < 0.0001) correlated with colonic adenomas and CRC, while moderate to severe disease was not correlated with colonic pathological findings (OR 0.86, 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.4–1.82, p = 0.68). Conclusions: Post-diverticulitis screening colonoscopy has not found a higher rate of colonic pathological findings, especially colonic neoplasia. Decision to perform colonoscopy after acute diverticulitis should be individualized based on risk stratification of colonic neoplasia.

Radiologic predictors for failure of non-operative management of complicated diverticulitis: a single-centre cohort study

Purpose

Modern non-operative management of diverticulitis consists of a complex therapeutic regimen and is successful in most cases even of complicated diverticulitis. Still, a certain proportion of patients requires urgent surgery due to failure of the conservative approach. This study aims to identify predictors for failure of conservative treatment of complicated diverticulitis with the need for subsequent urgent resection during the acute episode.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed at our tertiary centre including cases of acute complicated diverticulitis (characterized by localized abscess formation and/or pericolic air) between 2007 and 2019 that were treated guideline-conform by multimodal conservative treatment. Radiologic characteristics of disease in CT scans upon admission were analysed by uni- and multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors for resection within 30 days after onset of the conservative therapy approach.

Results

A total of 669 cases of acute diverticulitis were identified, of which 141 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 13% (n = 19) of patients were operated within 30 days despite initial conservative management. Multivariable logistic regression identified length of inflamed bowel greater than 7 cm (p < 0.011) and abscess formations >1 cm (p < 0.001) as significant risk factors for failure of conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with length of inflamed bowel >7 cm or abscess formation >1 cm have increased risk for failure of conservative treatment of acute episodes of diverticulitis with contained perforations with subsequent need for urgent surgery. Therefore, conservative treatment of those patients should be monitored with special caution.

Accuracy of preoperative CT staging of acute colonic diverticulitis using the classification of diverticular disease (CDD) - Is there a beneficial impact of water enema and visceral obesity?

PURPOSE

We evaluated the accuracy of preoperative CT in staging colonic diverticulitis (ACD) by using the classification of diverticular disease (CDD) and investigated the diagnostic impact of water enema (WE) and visceral obesity.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the radiological and hospital information system was searched for patients who underwent CT for clinically suspected ACD prior to surgery between 2009 and 2019. From the initial population (n = 164), we included 155 patients (94.5 %) (85 women; mean age: 58 ± 13 years) matching the following inclusion criteria: i.) clinically suspected ACD, ii.) i.v. contrast-enhanced CT, iii.) surgery for ACD within 1 week after CT, iv.) histopathological report that proved ACD. The remaining 9 patients (5.5 %) were excluded because histopathological reports were lacking (n = 3) or CT was performed without intravenous contrast agent (n = 6). WE (+ butylscopolamine i.v.) was performed in 93 patients (group A, 60 %). 62 patients (group B, 40 %) had no WE. Visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (V/S) was determined for each patient. Two radiologists blinded for final diagnosis independently staged ACD according to CDD and assessed prevalence and confidence ratings of ACD-related CT-findings: pericolonic fat stranding, covered- and free-perforation, local and generalized peritonitis, abscess. Interobserver-agreement of CT-findings were assessed and effects of WE and V/S ratio on the diagnostic accuracy of CT with surgical and histopathological findings as reference were determined by calculating a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

CT-staging showed high accuracy (94 %) and excellent interrater-correlation (ICC 0.96) for staging ACD. WE had no positive impact neither on diagnostic accuracy of staging, nor on confidence ratings of ACD-related CT-findings (all p > 0.5). Confidence ratings were significantly higher in examinations without WE for perforation, peritonitis as well as abscesses (all p < 0.5). Confidence ratings for the assessment of local peritonitis improved significantly with higher V/S (p = 0.049). The increase of V/S significantly correlated with the probability for correct CDD staging of ACD in CT (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Increase of visceral obesity significantly improves accuracy of CT in preoperative staging acute colonic diverticulitis. However, independently of the degree of visceral obesity, water enema has no diagnostic benefit and may therefore be omitted. Overall, CT proves high accuracy in preoperative staging ACD using the classification of diverticular disease.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective study, observational study.

Changing Paradigms in the Management of Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

Left-sided colonic diverticulitis is a common condition with significant morbidity and health care costs in Western countries. Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis which is characterized by the absence of organ dysfunction, abscesses, fistula, or perforations accounts for around 80% of the cases. In the last decades, several traditional paradigms in the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis have been replaced by evidence-based routines. This review provides a comprehensive evidence-based and clinical-oriented overview of up-to-date diagnostics with computer tomography, non-antibiotic treatment, outpatient treatment, and surgical strategies as well as follow-up of patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

Patients avoided important care during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic: diverticulitis patients were more likely to present with an abscess on CT

PURPOSE

To evaluate the frequency with which patients with an urgent health concern, specifically diverticulitis, avoided appropriate medical care during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 and to study the consequences of the resultant delay in care, the incidence of an associated abscess.

METHODS

This study was institutional review board approved. Reports for CT studies with findings of newly diagnosed diverticulitis within Henry Ford Health System during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 were reviewed and compared with the same time period in 2019. Total cases of diverticulitis on CT were compared, as well as the prevalence of an associated abscess. A chi-squared analysis was performed to determine the statistical significance of the percentage of patients presenting with an abscess in each year.

RESULTS

During the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, 120 patients were identified with CT findings of newly diagnosed diverticulitis with 11.7% of those patients (14 patients) presenting with an associated abscess. During the same time period in 2019, many more CT studies with newly diagnosed diverticulitis were obtained (339), and, compared to 2020, less than half the percentage of those patients had an associated abscess (4.4% or 15 patients).

CONCLUSION

Patients with urgent health concerns avoided appropriate and necessary care during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. While non-COVID-19 emergency visits were diminished, patients who did present with diverticulitis were more likely to present with greater disease severity as manifested by an associated abscess. Patients must be encouraged to seek care when appropriate and need reassurance that hospitals and their emergency departments are safe to visit. Furthermore, emergency physicians and radiologists in particular should be vigilant during times when emergency volumes are low, such as a future surge in coronavirus patients, other pandemics, snow storms, and holidays as the patients who do present for care are more likely to present at later stages and with serious complications.

Update on the management of sigmoid diverticulitis

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are the most common non-cancerous pathology of the colon. It has traditionally been considered a disease of the elderly and associated with cultural and dietary habits. There has been a growing evolution in our understanding and the treatment guidelines for this disease. To provide an updated review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification and highlight changes in the medical and surgical management of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is increasingly being seen in young patients (< 50 years). Genetic contributions to diverticulitis may be larger than previously thought. Potential similarities and overlap with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome exist. Computed tomography imaging represents the standard to classify the severity of diverticulitis. Modifications to the traditional Hinchey classification might serve to better delineate mild and intermediate forms as well as better classify chronic presentations of diverticulitis. Non-operative management is primarily based on antibiotics and supportive measures, but antibiotics may be omitted in mild cases. Interval colonoscopy remains advisable after an acute attack, particularly after a complicated form. Acute surgery is needed for the most severe as well as refractory cases, whereas elective resections are individualized and should be considered for chronic, smoldering, or recurrent forms and respective complications (stricture, fistula, etc.) and for patients with factors highly predictive of recurrent attacks. Diverticulitis is no longer a disease of the elderly. Our evolving understanding of diverticulitis as a clinical entity has led into a more nuanced approach in both the medical and surgical management of this common disease. Non-surgical management remains the appropriate treatment for greater than 70% of patients. In individuals with non-relenting, persistent, or recurrent symptoms and those with complicated disease and sequelae, a segmental colectomy remains the most effective surgical treatment in the acute, chronic, or elective-prophylactic setting.

Acute diverticulitis: Key features for guiding clinical management

Diverticular disease of the colon and small bowel is an important cause of pathology leading to emergency department visits and urgent gastrointestinal surgery. CT is a highly sensitive and specific modality for the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis and its complications as well as for the exclusion of alternate causes of pathology. Ultrasound, MRI and virtual CT colonoscopy have important adjunct roles for screening and workup of complications in specific patient populations. While diverticular disease most commonly involves the descending and sigmoid colon, it can also affect the proximal colon and small bowel. Acute diverticulitis may be categorized as uncomplicated or complicated according to the degree of inflammatory changes and related complications it induces, although some degree of overlap exists in clinical practice. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is classically characterized by localized inflammation surrounding a diverticulum ranging from wall thickening and phlegmonous change to the development of small, localized pericolic abscesses. Complicated forms of disease manifest with larger pericolic and distant abscesses, fistulae to adjacent organs, perforation, and peritonitis. Recurrent episodes of diverticulitis may lead to muscular hypertrophy of the bowel wall and luminal narrowing, potentially leading to bowel obstruction. Several imaging features may help to differentiate diverticulitis from colonic malignancy, however this remains a diagnostic imaging challenge that often requires further evaluation with colonoscopy. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology and key imaging features of acute diverticulitis and its complications. We explore both common and uncommon presentations of the disease involving the colon and small bowel, acute and chronic manifestations of disease, and pitfalls to recognize when imaging alone may be insufficient to distinguish benign from malignant.

The clinical significance of extraluminal air in Hinchey 1a diverticulitis: results from a retrospective cohort study with 10-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Some patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis have extraluminal air. Our objective was to determine if patients with Hinchey 1a diverticulitis and isolated extraluminal air present more severe episode than patients without extraluminal air.

METHODS

The present study is a monocentric observational retrospective cohort study. Computed tomographies of patients with diagnosed uncomplicated diverticulitis were retrospectively reviewed from the 01 January 2005 to the 31 December 2009. The presence of extraluminal air was determined. Leukocyte count, CRP value, and length of hospitalization were extracted from the patients' files. The follow-up period was from the time of diagnosis to the 15th of March 2019, the latest. Follow-up was censored for death and sigmoidectomy. Recurrence and emergency sigmoidectomy were documented during the follow-up period. The study was performed according to the STROBE guideline.

RESULTS

Three hundred and one patients with an episode of Hinchey 1a diverticulitis were included. Extraluminal air was present in 56 patients (18.60%). Leukocyte count (12.4 ± 4.1(G/l) versus 10.7 ± 3.5(G/l), p = 0.05), CRP value (156.9 ± 95.1(mg/l) versus 89.9 ± 74.8(mg/l), p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay (10.9 ± 5.5(days) versus 8.4 ± 3.6(days), p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with extraluminal air than in patients without extraluminal air. Seventy-two patients (23.92%) presented a recurrence during the follow-up period. Survival estimates did not differ between patients with or without extraluminal air (p = 0.717). Eleven patients (3.65%) required emergency surgery during the follow-up period. Patients with extraluminal air had shorter emergency surgery-free survival than patients without extraluminal air (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The presence of extraluminal air in Hinchey 1a diverticulitis indicates a more severe episode, with higher inflammation parameters at admission, longer length of stay, and an increased risk for emergency sigmoidectomy.

Bowel wall thickening: inquire or not inquire? Our guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Bowel wall thickening is not an uncommon finding among patient undergoing abdomen CT scan. It may be caused by neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious or ischaemic conditions but also be a normal variant. Although specific radiologic patterns may direct to a precise diagnosis, occasionally misidentification may occur. Thus, in the absence of guidelines, further and not always needed diagnostic procedures (colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy or capsule endoscopy) are performed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on data collected from May 2016 to June 2017. We selected 40 adult patients, admitted in Emergency Department with "abdominal pain" and undergone an abdomen CT scan, in which bowel wall abnormalities were founded.

RESULTS

75% patients were found to have a benign condition vs 25% a malignant condition. In the stomach group, 50% were found to have a neoplasm, whilst 33.3% presented an aspecific pattern and 16.7% had an inflammatory disease. In the small bowel cluster, 33.3% patients had an ischaemic disease, 33.3% an aspecific pattern, 22.2% an inflammatory disease and 11.1% was diagnosed with cancer. In the colon group, 36% had an inflammatory disease, 24% a colon cancer, 24% an aspecific pattern and 16% an ischaemic condition.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend to perform a further endoscopic procedure to all patients with gastric or colonic wall abnormalities on CT scan, on the basis of growing rate of cancer and IBD. Capsule endoscopy should be taken into account in patients with severe symptoms and after a previous negative endoscopic examination.

Differences between computed tomoghaphy and surgical findings in acute complicated diverticulitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

A preoperative reliable classification system between clinical and computed tomography (CT) findings to better plan surgery in acute complicated diverticulitis (ACD) is lacking. We studied the inter-observer agreement of CT scan data and their concordance with the preoperative clinical findings and the adherence with the intraoperative status using a new classification of diverticular disease (CDD).

METHODS

152 patients operated on for acute complicated diverticulitis (ACD) were retrospectively enrolled. All patients were studied with CT scan within 24 h before surgery and CT images were blinded reanalyzed by 2 couples of radiologists (A/B). Kappa value evaluated the inter-observer agreement between radiologists and the concordance between CDD, preoperative clinical findings and findings at operation. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the predicting values of CT classification and CDD stage at surgery on postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall inter-observer agreement for the CDD was high, with a kappa value of 0.905 (95% CI = 0.850-0.960) for observers A and B, while the concordance between radiological and surgical findings was weak (kappa values = 0.213 and 0,248, respectively and 95% CI = 0.106 to 0.319 and 95% CI = 0.142 to 0.355, respectively). When overall morbidity, mortality and the need of a terminal colostomy were considered as main endpoints no concordance was observed between surgical and radiological findings and the CDD (P=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

The need for a more accurate classification of ACD, able to better stage this emergency, and to provide surgeons with reliable information for the best treatment is advocated.

An Update on the Current Management of Perforated Diverticulitis

The management of perforated diverticulitis is a challenging aspect of general surgery. The prevalence of colonic diverticular disease has increased over the last decade and will continue to increase as the baby boomers add to the elderly population. Improvements in diagnostic imaging modalities, efforts to maintain intestinal continuity, and percutaneous drainage procedures now result in several alternatives when selecting a management strategy for complicated presentations. Specifically, laparoscopic lavage and resection with primary anastomosis have emerged as options for treatment of Hinchey III and IV diverticulitis in place of diversion in the appropriately selected patient. Percutaneous drainage of Hinchey II diverticulitis in centers equipped with interventional radiology provides another minimally invasive adjunct. The objective of this paper is to provide an update on the current management of perforated diverticulitis, with a focus on the advantages and disadvantages of the surgical options for the treatment of Hinchey III and IV diverticulitis.

Changes in the Clinical Features and Long-term Outcomes of Colonic Diverticulitis in Japanese Patients

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate whether changes occurred in the clinical features of acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) over a period of 10 years, to estimate the long-term probability of disease recurrence and to investigate whether it could be treated in an outpatient setting. Methods Between January 1998 and January 2009, 488 ACD patients were diagnosed and treated in Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo. The diagnoses were made by ultrasonography (US) and/or CT. We investigated the time-dependent changes in the characteristics of patients with ACD, and we used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the cumulative probability of recurrence, based on information from a questionnaire. Results The percentage of patients who were diagnosed with left-sided ACD significantly increased over time in comparison to those with right-side disease (4% in 1998, 36% in 2009). Patients with left-sided ACD were significantly older and were diagnosed at a more advanced disease stage than those with right-sided ACD. Among the 212 ACD patients who responded to the questionnaire, the cumulative probability of recurrence in 125 patients with no history of ACD at 2.9, 5.9 and 10.1 years was 16.0%, 20.1% and 26.2%, respectively. The probability of recurrence in patients with right-sided and left-sided ACD did not differ to a statistically significant extent. In addition, outpatient treatability in patients with left-sided to right-sided ACD did not differ to a statistically significant extent (66.6% vs. 70.1%). Conclusion The ratio of left-sided to right-sided ACD was found to have increased over the past decade. Left-sided ACD patients were older and their incidence of complications was higher in comparison to right-sided patients; however, the rate of recurrence and outpatient treatability in patients with left-sided and right-sided ACD did not differ to a statistically significant extent.

Diverticulitis Diagnosed in the Emergency Room: Is It Safe to Discharge Home?

BACKGROUND

Inpatient treatment of patients with colon diverticulitis represents a significant financial and clinical burden to the health care system and patients. The aim of this study was to compare patients with diverticulitis in the emergency department (ED), who were discharged to home vs admitted to the hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed all patients evaluated in the ED of a metropolitan health system, with the primary diagnosis of diverticulitis (ICD-9 562.11), from 2010 through 2012. Only patients diagnosed with CT and those with follow-up were included.

RESULTS

We identified 240 patients; 132 (55%) were women and mean age was 59.1 years (SD 16.1 years). Imaging findings included extraluminal air (21%), pericolic or pelvic abscess (12%), free fluid (16%), and pneumoperitoneum (6%). One hundred forty-four (60%) were admitted to the hospital and 96 (40%) were discharged to home on oral antibiotics. Patients admitted to the hospital were more likely to be older than 65 years (p = 0.0007), have a Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 2 (p = 0.0025), to be on steroids or immunosuppression (p = 0.0019), and have extraluminal air (p < 0.0001) or diverticular abscess (p < 0.0001) on imaging. Median follow-up for all patients was 36.5 months (interquartile range 25.2 to 43 months). Among patients discharged from the ED, 12.5% returned to the ED or were readmitted within 30 days, with only 1 patient (1%) requiring emergency surgery, but not until 20 months later. Patients admitted to the hospital had similar rates of readmission (15%; p = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients diagnosed with uncomplicated diverticulitis in the emergency room can be safely discharged home on oral antibiotics, as long as CT findings are included in the decision-making process. Patients with complicated diverticulitis on CT scan should be admitted to the hospital with surgical consultation.

Derivation of decision rules to predict clinically important outcomes in acute flank pain patients

OBJECTIVE

Routine CT for patients with acute flank pain has not been shown to improve patient outcomes, and it may unnecessarily expose patients to radiation and increased costs. As preliminary steps toward the development of a guideline for selective CT, we sought to determine the prevalence of clinically important outcomes in patients with acute flank pain and derive preliminary decision rules.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a randomized trial of CT vs. ultrasonography for patients with acute flank pain from 15 EDs between October 2011 and February 2013. Clinically important outcomes were defined as inpatient admission for ureteral stones and alternative diagnoses. Clinically important stones were defined as stones requiring urologic intervention. We sought to derive highly sensitive decision rules for both outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 2759 participants, 236 (8.6%) had a clinically important outcome and 143 (5.2%) had a clinically important stone. A CDR including anemia (hemoglobin <13.2g/dl), WBC count >11000/μl, age>42years, and the absence of CVAT had a sensitivity of 97.9% (95% CI 94.8-99.2%) and specificity of 18.7% (95% 17.2-20.2%) for clinically important outcome. A CDR including hydronephrosis, prior history of stone, and WBC count <8300/μl had a sensitivity of 98.6% (95% CI 94.5-99.7%) and specificity of 26.0% (95% 24.2-27.7%) for clinically important stone.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined the prevalence of clinically important outcomes in patients with acute flank pain, and derived preliminary high sensitivity CDRs that predict them. Validation of CDRs with similar test characteristics would require prospective enrollment of 2100 patients.

Colonic Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis in Renal Transplant Recipients: Management and Long-Term Outcomes

Data regarding management of colonic diverticulitis in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are limited. This study aims to identify prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes in RTRs with colonic diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Between January 2004 and December 2013, all patients who underwent kidney transplantation were analyzed. Among all RTSs, patients who had a pretransplant colonoscopic diagnosis of diverticulosis and patients with a proven attack of diverticulitis were included in our analysis. There were 1578 RTRs with a mean age of 50 ± 14 years at the time of transplantation. Of these, 409 patients had colonoscopic evaluation and 174 (43%) were diagnosed with diverticular disease. Fifteen (0.9%) out of 1578 developed a primary attack of diverticulitis. Two patients underwent a Hartmann's procedure due to perforation. Among 13 patients who were initially treated nonoperatively, 4 required surgery due to refractory diverticulitis (n = 2) and recurrence (n = 2). Tobacco use (59% vs 48%, P = 0.02), increased age (58 vs 51 years, P < 0.0001), diabetes (33% vs 35%, P = 0.03), coronary artery disease (38% vs 22%, P = 0.001), and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease etiology (P = 0.04) were more common in RTRs with diverticulosis. Majority of RTRs with diverticulitis can be managed nonoperatively. Surgical treatment is warranted in patients with perforated, persistent, and recurrent diverticulitis. A special care and follow-up may be needed in RTRs with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease etiology, smoking history, and coronary artery disease due to higher risk of diverticulosis and subsequent potential diverticulitis.

Coloenteric fistula in a young patient with recurrent diverticulitis: A case report and review of the literature

The development of colonic diverticula is common in developed countries and complications of colonic diverticulosis are responsible for a remarkable burden of the disease. The natural history and management of complicated and recurrent diverticulitis in young patients are still a matter of debate. Coloenteric fistula is a rare complication of diverticulitis in young adults. In this report, and utilising a case study, we will review the natural history, outcome and management of acute diverticulitis in the young.

Endoscopic diagnosis of asymptomatic perforation of colonic diverticulum

Colonic perforation as complication of acute diverticulitis is a relatively frequent pathology and generally very symptomatic. Nevertheless, when it occurs in the mesenteric border the course can be indolent.

[A woman with abdominal pain and retroperitoneal free air]

A 62-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with pain in the lower abdomen and fever since 1 week. A CT scan showed retroperitoneal air around the inferior mesenteric vein and diverticulitis of the sigmoid. We made the diagnosis of intramesocolic diverticular perforation of the sigmoid, a rare phenomenon, and performed an emergency sigmoidectomy.

[Treatment of acute purulent diverticulitis is still not clarified]

Inflammation in colonic diverticula can develop into acute diverticulitis. Treatment varies depending on illness severity. Perforated diverticulitis with faecal peritonitis is treated surgically and Hartmann's procedure is the preferred operation. Peritoneal lavage might be an alternative to resection for purulent peritonitis. However, ongoing randomized trials are awaited to clarify this.

Statement of the section internal medicine of the DEGUM - ultrasound obtains pole position for clinical imaging in acute diverticulitis

This paper reviews and interprets the role of ultrasonography in view of the recently published Guideline on diverticular disease of the Consensus conference of the German Societies of Gastroenterology (DGVS) and Visceral Surgery (DGAV) implying a new classification of diverticular disease (CDD). Qualified US is not only equipotent to qualified CT and frequently effectual for diagnosis but considers relevant legislation for radiation exposure protection. Unsurpassed resolution allows detailed resolution thereby allowing to differentiate and stratify the relevant types of diverticular disease. Subsequently, US is considered the first choice of imaging in diverticular disease. Vice versa, CT has definite indications in unclear / discrepant situations – or insufficient US-performance.

Risk factors for recurrence of right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis after first attack

PURPOSE

Most patients with acute right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis can be managed conservatively. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiologic risk factors for recurrence in patients with right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis.

METHODS

The present survey included 469 patients who were successfully managed conservatively for the first episode of right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis between 2002 and 2012 in a referral center, and records were reviewed from collected data. Patients were divided into two groups: a nonrecurrent and a recurrent group. The clinical and radiologic features of all patients were analyzed to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used.

RESULTS

Seventy-four (15.8 %) patients had recurrence, and 15 (3.2 %) received surgery at recurrence within a median follow-up of 59 months. The mean recurrence interval after the first attack was 29 months. In univariate and multivariate analyses, risk factors for recurrence were confirmed multiple diverticula (relative risk [RR], 2.62; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.56-4.40) and intraperitoneally located diverticulitis (RR, 3.73; 95 % CI, 2.13-6.52). Of 66 patients with two risk factors, 36 (54.5 %) had recurrence and 10 (15.2 %) received surgery at recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis who have multiple diverticula and intraperitoneally located diverticulitis, the possibility of recurrence and surgical rate are high. Poor outcome may be cautioned in these patients.

Routine colonic endoscopic evaluation following resolution of acute diverticulitis: Is it necessary?

Diverticular disease incidence is increasing up to 65% by age 85 in industrialized nations, low fiber diets, and in younger and obese patients. Twenty-five percent of patients with diverticulosis will develop acute diverticulitis. This imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems, resulting in greater than 300000 admissions per year with an estimated annual cost of $3 billion USD. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic study of choice, with a sensitivity and specificity greater than 95%. Unfortunately, similar CT findings can be present in colonic neoplasia, especially when perforated or inflamed. This prompted professional societies such as the American Society of Colon Rectal Surgeons to recommend patients undergo routine colonoscopy after an episode of acute diverticulitis to rule out malignancy. Yet, the data supporting routine colonoscopy after acute diverticulitis is sparse and based small cohort studies utilizing outdated technology. While any patient with an indication for a colonoscopy should undergo appropriate endoscopic evaluation, in the era of widespread use of high-resolution computed tomography, routine colonic endoscopic evaluation following resolution of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis poses additional costs, comes with inherent risks, and may require further study. In this manuscript, we review the current data related to this recommendation.