Challenging Surgical Dogma: Controversies in Diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon is common in the developed world, affecting approximately 33% of persons older than 60 years. Up to 15% of these patients will develop diverticulitis at some point in their lifetime. The incidence of diverticulitis has increased in the last decade, accounting for nearly 300,000 US hospital admissions and $1.8 billion in annual direct medical costs. With such a wide prevalence and diverse spectrum of clinical presentation, there are bound to be multiple controversies regarding disease management. This article will serve to educate the reader on several important areas to consider when treating this ubiquitous disease.

La enfermedad diverticular hoy: revisión de la evidencia / Diverticular disease today: evidence review

Resumen La enfermedad diverticular es muy prevalente con gran repercusión económica y médica. A pesar de las múltiples guías para protocolizar el diagnóstico y tratamiento no existe unanimidad en su manejo. Hemos realizado una revisión actualizada con el objetivo de analizar los nuevos estudios de esta enfermedad, para manejarla adecuadamente y realizar el tratamiento más adecuado en cada momento. La enfermedad diverticular tiene un componente hereditario (40%) y presenta una relación directa con la dieta pobre en fibra, la obesidad, el consumo de carne roja, la inactividad, el alcohol y los AINEs. Por su clínica inespecífica, es difícil realizar un diagnóstico diferencial. La ecografía y el TC abdominal son métodos apropiados para el diagnóstico y se recomienda una colonoscopia de manera precoz (4ᵃ-8ᵃ semana) tras el cuadro agudo. La clasificación más seguida es la de Hinchey. En el tratamiento médico de la diverticulosis sintomática no se ha demostrado evidencia clara de ningún medicamento. La diverticulitis aguda no complicada se puede manejar ambulatoriamente y no es necesario el uso de antibióticos en pacientes sin factores de riesgo. En la diverticulitis complicada se tiende a un manejo conservador, aunque en el Hinchey III y IV el tratamiento es quirúrgico, recomendando la resección de la zona afecta y si es posible anastomosis con o sin estoma de protección. No se recomienda el lavado y drenaje en el Hinchey III. Hay que consensuar tratamiento de forma individualizada ya que no se recomienda tratamiento quirúrgico por el número de recurrencias ni por edad del paciente.

The diverticular disease is a prevalent condition with a great economic and medical repercussion. Despite the multiple guidelines available to protocolize diagnosis and treatment, there is not unanimity in its management. We have carried out an updated review with the aim of analyzing new studies of the disease, to manage it properly and to carry out the most appropriate treatment at each time. Diverticular disease has an inherited component (40%) and it is directly related to low fiber diet, obesity, consumption of red meat, inactivity, alcohol and NSAIDs. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, it is difficult to make a differential diagnosis. Ultrasound and abdominal CT are appropriate methods for diagnosis and early colonoscopy is recommended (4th-8th week) after acute symptoms. The most followed classification is the Hinchey Score. There is no clear evidence of the superiority of any drug in the treatment of symptomatic diverticulosis. Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis can be managed on an outpatient and the use of antibiotics is not necessary in patients without risk factors. Conservative management tends to be used in complicated diverticulitis, although in Hinchey III and IV the treatment is surgical, recommending resection of the affected area and, if possible, anastomosis with or without a protective stoma. Washing and draining is not recommended in the Hinchey III. Treatment must be agreed on an individual basis since surgical treatment is not recommended due to the number of recurrences or the age of the patient.

Factors predicting severity level, progression and recurrence risk of acute left colonic diverticulitis in Turkey: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Acute left colonic diverticulitis (ALCD) ranges from localized diverticulitis to perforation and fecal peritonitis, and treatment varies from conservative management to emergency surgery. The risk factors for recurrence following nonoperative management of ALCD is still controversial. We aimed to define the factors predicting severity level, progression and recurrence risk of ALCD to timely select patients requiring surgery. METHODS: This is a multicenter study where patients were included on accrual. Patients in our clinic between December 2017 and June 2019 with ALCD above 18 years of age were included (n=144) in this study, while 18 years and younger, pregnant or nursing mothers, those with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal and/or anal cancer were excluded from this study. Laboratory parameters, Modified Hinchey Scores, clinical features, demographics, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, previous diverticulitis episodes, chronic diseases of patients with ALCD, as well as recurrences within 18 months after discharge were evaluated. RESULTS: The findings showed that smoking was more common in patients with previous episodes (p=0.04) and patients who underwent emergency surgery (p=0.04). Recurrence was higher in Modified Hinchey 1b and 2 (p=0.03) than 0 and 1a. Patients who were older than 50y had a higher propensity to undergo emergency surgery than the patients younger than 50y (p=0.049). Nausea, fever, respiratory rate, procalcitonin, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were higher in patients with Modified Hinchey 4 (p=0.03, 0.049, 0.02, 0.001, 0.002, 0.001, respectively). Recurrence was higher in patients with a smoking history, previous ALCD episodes, lower body mass index and pandiverticulitis. CONCLUSION: Laboratory parameters, body mass index, age, clinical features, previous episodes of diverticulitis and smoking may predict the severity and progression of ALCD. Smoking and having low BMI seem to be precursors of ALCD recurrence, especially when the patient with MHS 1b or 2 had at least one previous episode of ALCD. Control colonoscopy results are predictive of recurrence.

Etiopathogenetic Mechanisms in Diverticular Disease of the Colon.

This article reviews epidemiological evidence of heritability and putative mechanisms in diverticular disease, with greatest attention to 3 recent studies of genetic associations with diverticular disease based on genome-wide or whole-genome sequencing studies in large patient cohorts. We provide an analysis of the biological plausibility of the significant associations with gene variants reported and highlight the relevance of ANO1, CPI-17 (aka PPP1R14A), COLQ6, COL6A1, CALCB or CALCA, COL6A1, ARHGAP15, and S100A10 to colonic neuromuscular function and tissue properties that may result in altered compliance and predispose to the development of diverticular disease. Such studies also identify candidate genes for future studies.

The Trends of Complicated Acute Colonic Diverticulitis-A Systematic Review of the National Administrative Databases.

Background and Objectives: The diverticular disease includes a broad spectrum of different "clinical situations" from diverticulosis to acute diverticulitis (AD), with a full spectrum of severity ranging from self-limiting infection to abscess or fistula formation to free perforation. The present work aimed to assess the burden of complicated diverticulitis through a comparative analysis of the hospitalizations based on the national administrative databases. Materials and Methods: A review of the international and national administrative databases concerning admissions for complicated AD was performed. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. No definition of acute complicated diverticulitis was reported in any study. Complicated AD accounted for approximately 42% and 79% of the hospitalizations. The reported rates of abscess varied between 1% and 10% from all admissions for AD and 5-29% of the cases with complicated AD. An increasing temporal trend was found in one study-from 6% to 10%. The rates of diffuse peritonitis ranged from 1.6% to 10.2% of all hospitalizations and 11% and 47% of the complicated cases and were stable in the time. Conclusions: The available data precluded definitive conclusions because of the significant discrepancy between the included studies. The leading cause was the presence of heterogeneity due to coding inaccuracies in all databases, absence of ICD codes to distinguish the different type of complications, and the lack of coding data about some general conditions such as sepsis, shock, malnutrition, steroid therapy, diabetes, pulmonary, and heart failure.

Effect of Elective Sigmoidectomy for Diverticulitis on Bowel Function Patient-Reported Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Diverticular disease is common worldwide. A subset of these patients will choose to undergo elective surgical resection because of symptoms or complicated disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in bowel function after elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients seen at our institution from May 2015 to July 2018 who underwent elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. We used the Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire, a validated questionnaire that assesses bowel function in five domains and a global function score (scores 0-100, with higher score indicating worse function). We obtained questionnaire data at baseline, as well as at postoperative follow-up, and a paired t-test was used to compare. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients met criteria for inclusion in this study. The median time between questionnaire completion was 70 days (interquartile range: 56 to 85). The mean age was 60 ± 12 years, with 57% female patients. Thirty-six (73%) patients underwent sigmoidectomy alone and 13 (27%) underwent sigmoidectomy with fistula repair. Six patients (12%) had a diverting loop ileostomy in addition to sigmoidectomy and underwent a subsequent reversal. Overall, there were no differences in any of the five domains or the total Colorectal Functional Outcome score from baseline to postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, bowel function did not significantly change in the early postoperative period after elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. Surgeons should counsel patients, especially symptomatic ones, that bowel function will likely be no different at time of postoperative follow-up.

Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that is associated with significant morbidity and health care costs. Approximately 20% of patients with incident diverticulitis have at least 1 recurrence. Complications of diverticulitis, such as abdominal sepsis, are less likely to occur with subsequent events. Several risk factors, many of which are modifiable, have been identified including obesity, diet, and physical inactivity. Diet and lifestyle factors could affect risk of diverticulitis through their effects on the intestinal microbiome and inflammation. Preliminary studies have found that the composition and function of the gut microbiome differ between individuals with vs without diverticulitis. Genetic factors, as well as alterations in colonic neuromusculature, can also contribute to the development of diverticulitis. Less-aggressive and more-nuanced treatment strategies have been developed. Two multicenter, randomized trials of patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis found that antibiotics did not speed recovery or prevent subsequent complications. Elective surgical resection is no longer recommended solely based on number of recurrent events or young patient age and might not be necessary for some patients with diverticulitis complicated by abscess. Randomized trials of hemodynamically stable patients who require urgent surgery for acute, complicated diverticulitis that has not improved with antibiotics provide evidence to support primary anastomosis vs sigmoid colectomy with end colostomy. Despite these advances, more research is needed to increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of diverticulitis and to clarify treatment algorithms.

Pathophysiology of diverticular disease.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation of diverticula, or outpouchings of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through the muscularis layer, leads to diverticulitis. The development of diverticular disease, encompassing both diverticulosis and diverticulitis, is a result of genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including the microbiome. Areas covered: Previous reports implicated genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and colonic dysmotility in diverticular disease. Recent studies have associated specific host immune responses and the microbiome as contributors to diverticulitis. To review pertinent literature describing pathophysiological factors associated with diverticulosis or diverticulitis, we searched the PubMed database (March 2018) for articles considering the role of colonic architecture, genetic predisposition, environment, colonic motility, immune response, and the microbiome. Expert commentary: In the recent years, research into the molecular underpinnings of diverticular disease has enhanced our understanding of diverticular disease pathogenesis. Although acute uncomplicated diverticulitis is treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, evaluation of the microbiome has been limited and requires further comprehensive studies. Evidence suggests that a deregulation of the host immune response is associated with both diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Further examining these pathways may reveal proteins that can be therapeutic targets or aid in identifying biological determinants of clinical or surgical decision making.

[Treatment of inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease at the emergency surgical care hospital]. / Opyt lecheniia patsientov s vospalitel'nymi oslozhneniiami divertikuliarnoi bolezni obodochnoi kishki v statsionare neotlozhnoi khirurgicheskoi pomoshchi.

AIM: To assess an effectiveness of minimally invasive and laparoscopic technologies in treatment of inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 150 patients who were divided into control and main groups. Survey included ultrasound, X-ray examination and abdominal computerized tomography. In the main group standardized treatment algorithm including minimally invasive and laparoscopic technologies was used. RESULTS: In the main group 79 patients underwent conservative treatment, minimally invasive (ultrasound-assisted percutaneous drainage of abscesses) and laparoscopic surgery that was successful in 78 (98.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: Standardized algorithm reduces time of treatment, incidence of postoperative complications, mortality and the risk of recurrent inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease. Also postoperative quality of life was improved.

Role of visceral fat in colonic inflammation: from Crohn's disease to diverticulitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The composition of activated adipose tissue with adipocytes secreting a broad spectrum of immune-modulatory adipokines next to adipose tissue-derived stromal cells and professional immune effector cells in the visceral fat creates a complex network of inflammatory processes shaping local immune responses in the adjacent inflamed intestinal mucosa. RECENT FINDINGS: In Crohn's disease a particular phenomenon called 'creeping fat' can be observed. Here the hyperplastic mesenteric fat tissue not only grows around inflamed small intestinal segments but also furthermore affects the regulation of the mucosal immune system. Diverticular disease is highly prevalent in the western world but the knowledge about its immunopathology remains incomplete. Interestingly, adipose tissue also frequently covers the basolateral site of inflamed diverticula, hence locally reflecting the phenomenon seen in Crohn's disease. SUMMARY: This review aims to summarize the current knowledge in which measures this intraabdominal fat participates in the regulation of intestinal inflammation with a particular focus on differences and possible parallels in Crohn's disease and diverticulitis. The available data allow for suggesting that each inflamed diverticula mechanistically reflects Crohn's disease on a miniature scale.

Diverticular Disease of the Colon: Neuromuscular Function Abnormalities.

Colonic diverticular disease is a frequent finding in daily clinical practice. However, its pathophysiological mechanisms are largely unknown. This condition is likely the result of several concomitant factors occurring together to cause anatomic and functional abnormalities, leading as a result to the outpouching of the colonic mucosa. A pivotal role seems to be played by an abnormal colonic neuromuscular function, as shown repeatedly in these patients, and by an altered visceral perception. There is recent evidence that these abnormalities might be related to the derangement of the enteric innervation, to an abnormal distribution of mucosal neuropeptides, and to low-grade mucosal inflammation. The latter might be responsible for the development of visceral hypersensitivity, often causing abdominal pain in a subset of these patients.

Acute colonic diverticulitis: modern understanding of pathomechanisms, risk factors, disease burden and severity.

INTRODUCTION: Conservative, non-antibiotic and non-surgical management of acute diverticulitis is currently being investigated. To better inform clinical decisions, better understanding of disease mechanisms, disease burden and severity is needed. METHODS: Literature search of risk factors, pathophysiology, epidemiology and disease burden/severity reported over the last decade. RESULTS: Acute diverticulitis is a common disease and has a high disease burden. Incidence of hospital admissions is reported around 71 per 100,000 population, with reported increase in several subpopulations over the last decades. The incidence is likely to increase further with the aging populations. Risk factors for left-sided acute diverticulitis include dietary, anthropometric and lifestyle factors. Disease mechanisms are still poorly understood, but a distinction between inflammation and infection is emerging. The integrative and complex role of the gut microbiota has become an interesting factor for both understanding the disease as well as a potential target for intervention using probiotics. Mild, self-limiting events are increasingly reported from studies of successful non-antibiotic management in a considerable number of cases. Risk markers of progression to or presence of severe, complicated disease are needed for better disease stratification. Current risk stratification by clinical, imaging or endoscopic means is imperfect and needs validation. Long-term results from minimal-invasive and comparative surgical trials may better help inform clinicians and patients. CONCLUSIONS: Over- and under-treatment as well as over- and under-diagnosis of severity is likely to continue in clinical practice due to lack of reliable, robust and universal severity and classification systems. Better understanding of pathophysiology is needed.

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.

Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Strategies for Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease of the Colon.

Colonic diverticulosis imposes a significant burden on industrialized societies. The current accepted causes of diverticula formation include low fiber content in the western diet with decreased intestinal content and size of the lumen, leading to the transmission of muscular contraction pressure to the wall of the colon, inducing the formation of diverticula usually at the weakest point of the wall where penetration of the blood vessels occurs. Approximately 20 % of the patients with colonic diverticulosis develop abdominal symptoms (i.e., abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea), a condition which is defined as symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD). The pathogenesis of SUDD symptoms remains uncertain and even less is known about how to adequately manage bowel symptoms. Recently, low-grade inflammation, altered intestinal microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal colonic motility have been identified as factors leading to symptom development, thus changing and improving the therapeutic approach. In this review, a comprehensive search of the literature regarding on SUDD pathogenetic hypotheses and pharmacological strategies was carried out. The pathogenesis of SUDD, although not completely clarified, seems to be related to an interaction between colonic microbiota alterations, and immune, enteric nerve, and muscular system dysfunction (Cuomo et al. in United Eur Gastroenterol J 2:413-442, 2014). Greater understanding of the inflammatory pathways and gut microbiota composition in subjects affected by SUDD has increased therapeutic options, including the use of gut-directed antibiotics, mesalazine, and probiotics (Bianchi et al. in Aliment Pharmacol Ther 33:902-910, 2011; Comparato et al. in Dig Dis Sci 52:2934-2941, 2007; Tursi et al. in Aliment Pharmacol Ther 38:741-751, 2013); however, more research is necessary to validate the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions.

[Diverticular disease - clinical patterns and treatment]. / Divertikelkrankheit - Klinisches Bild und Therapie.

Diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis have come into focus again because new aspects concerning diagnosis, risk factors and treatment arose only recently which prompted a new Guideline released by the DGVS and DGAV summarising the current evidence. Along with the guideline's essentials for medical practice a diagnosis of diverticulitis is considered unsatisfactory unless a cross-sectional imaging method (either ultrasonography [US] or computed tomography [CT] ) has proven that the clinical findings and inflammation (CRP considered superior to WBC and temperature) are due to diverticular inflammation. For reasons of practicability and considering relevant legislation for radiation exposure protection, US is the primary - and usually effectual - diagnostic method of choice as it is equipotent to CT. While US offers better resolution and enables precise imaging exactly at the location of pain as well as reiterative application, the latter implies advantages in the case of a deep abscess or diverticulitis in difficult locations (e. g. the small pelvis). Clinical evidence and laboratory and imaging findings allow for distinguishing a large number of differential diagnoses and also form the basis of a new classification (classification of diverticular disease, CDD) which comprises all forms of diverticular disease, from diverticulosis to bleeding and to the different facettes of diverticulitis. This classification -which should be applied in any patient with the diagnosis of diverticular disease- is independent of specific diagnostic preferences and applicable both to conservative and operative treatment options. While the number of recurrent episodes is no longer a significant indicator for surgery in diverticulitis, severity and / or complications determine treatment options along with the patients preferences. According to first data, conservative treatment may waive antibiotics under certain circumstances, however they are indispensible in complicated disease or patients bearing risk factors. Spasmoanalgetics and supportive fluid supply are individually necessary, and avoidance of potentially aggravating medications (e. g. NSAIDS) appears advisable, but many suggestions (nil by mouth, bed rest, laxatives) come along without an adaequate body of evidence. Similarly medical advice concerning prevention and secondary prophylaxis relies mainly on epidemiological plausibility. Because minor perforations (CDD type 2 a) as well as recurrent episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis and even some abscesses > 1 cm (CDD type 2 b) respond favourably to medical treatment, the timely indication for surgery in these cases requires precise classification along with a close surveillance in trustful cooperation between the gastroenterologist and the surgeon.

Review article: the pathophysiology and medical management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon, including diverticulitis, is increasing worldwide, and becoming a significant burden on national health systems. Treatment of patients with diverticulosis and DD is generally based on high-fibre diet and antibiotics, respectively. However, new pathophysiological knowledge suggests that further treatment may be useful. AIM: To review the current treatment of diverticulosis and diverticular disease. METHODS: A search of PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify articles relevant to the management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease. Major international conferences were also reviewed. RESULTS: Two randomised controlled trials (RCT) found the role of antibiotics in managing acute diverticulitis to be questionable, particularly in patients with no complicating comorbidities. One RCT found mesalazine to be effective in preventing acute diverticulitis in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The role of rifaximin or mesalazine in preventing diverticulitis recurrence, based on the results of 1 and 4 RCTs, respectively, remains unclear. RCTs found rifaximin and mesalazine to be effective in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The use of probiotics in diverticular disease and in preventing acute diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence appears promising but unconclusive. Finally, the role of fibre in treating diverticulosis remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence suggests that antibiotics have a role only in the treatment of complicated diverticulitis. It appears to be some evidence for a role for rifaximin and mesalazine in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. Finally, there is not currently adequate evidence to recommend any medical treatment for the prevention of diverticulitis recurrence.