Systematic review: outpatient management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis

Purpose of review

Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis is traditionally managed by inpatient admission for bowel rest, intravenous fluids and intravenous antibiotics. In recent years, an increasing number of publications have sought to determine whether care might instead be conducted in the community, with earlier enteral feeding and oral antibiotics. This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of such an ambulatory approach.

Methods

Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All peer-reviewed studies that investigated the role of ambulatory treatment protocols for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis, either directly or indirectly, were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Nine studies were identified as being suitable for inclusion, including one randomised controlled trial, seven prospective cohort studies and one retrospective cohort study. All, except one, employed imaging as part of their diagnostic criteria. There was inconsistency between studies with regards to whether patients with significant co-morbidities were eligible for ambulatory care and whether bowel rest therapy was employed. Neither of these variables influenced outcome. Across all studies, 403 out of a total of 415 (97 %) participants were successfully treated for an episode of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis using an outpatient-type approach. Cost savings ranged from 35.0 to 83.0 %.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that a more progressive, ambulatory-based approach to the majority of cases of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis is justified. Based on this evidence, the authors present a possible outpatient-based treatment algorithm. An appropriately powered randomised controlled trial is now required to determine its safety and efficacy compared to traditional inpatient management.     

Predictive factors on CT imaging for progression of uncomplicated into complicated acute diverticulitis

Purpose

Since outpatient treatment and omitting antibiotics for uncomplicated acute colonic diverticulitis have been proven to be safe in the majority of patients, selection of patients that may not be suited for this treatment strategy becomes an important topic. The aim of this study is to identify computed tomography (CT) imaging predictors for a complicated disease course of initially uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.

Methods

CT imaging from a randomized controlled trial (DIABOLO study) of an observational vs. antibiotic treatment strategy of first-episode uncomplicated acute diverticulitis patients was re-evaluated. For each patient that developed complicated diverticulitis within 90 days after randomization, two patients with an uncomplicated disease course were randomly selected. Two abdominal radiologists, blinded for outcomes, independently re-evaluated all CTs.

Results

Of the 528 patients in the DIABOLO trial, 16 patients developed complications (abscess > 5 cm, perforation, bowel obstruction) within 90 days after randomization. In the group with a complicated course of initially uncomplicated diverticulitis, more patients with fluid collections (25 vs. 0%; p = 0.009) and a longer inflamed colon segment (86 ± 26 mm vs. 65 ± 21 mm; p = 0.007) were observed compared to an uncomplicated course of disease. Pericolic extraluminal air was no predictive factor.

Conclusion

Fluid collections and to a lesser extent the length of the inflamed colon segment may serve as predictive factors on initial CT for a complicated disease course in patients with uncomplicated acute colonic diverticulitis. These findings may aid in the selection of patients not suitable for outpatient treatment and treatment without antibiotics.

     

Treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis without antibiotics: risk factors for treatment failure

Purpose

Conservative treatment strategy without antibiotics in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis (UD) has proven to be safe. The aim of the current study is to assess the clinical course of UD patients who were initially treated without antibiotics and to identify risk factors for treatment failure.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed including all patients with a CT-proven episode of UD (defined as modified Hinchey 1A). Only non-immunocompromised patients who presented without signs of sepsis were included. Patients that received antibiotics within 24 h after or 2 weeks prior to presentation were excluded from analysis. Patient characteristics, clinical signs, and laboratory parameters were collected. Treatment failure was defined as (re)admittance, mortality, complications (perforation, abscess, colonic obstruction, urinary tract infection, pneumonia) or need for antibiotics, operative intervention, or percutaneous abscess drainage within 30 days after initial presentation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to quantify which variables are independently related to treatment failure.

Results

Between January 2005 and January 2017, 751 patients presented at the emergency department with a CT-proven UD. Of these, 186 (25%) patients were excluded from analysis because of antibiotic treatment. A total of 565 patients with UD were included. Forty-six (8%) patients experienced treatment failure. In the multivariable analysis, a high CRP level (>?170 mg/L) was a significant predictive factor for treatment failure.

Conclusion

UD patients with a CRP level >?170 mg/L are at higher risk for non-antibiotic treatment failure. Clinical physicians should take this finding in consideration when selecting patients for non-antibiotic treatment.

     

Development and validation of a diagnostic prediction model distinguishing complicated from uncomplicated diverticulitis

Abstract

Objectives: Most diverticulitis patients (80%) who are referred to secondary care have uncomplicated diverticulitis (UD) which is a self-limiting disease and can be treated at home. The aim of this study is to develop a diagnostic model that can safely rule out complicated diverticulitis (CD) based on clinical and laboratory parameters to reduce unnecessary referrals.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed including all patients who presented at the emergency department with CT-proven diverticulitis. Patient characteristics, clinical signs and laboratory parameters were collected. CD was defined as?>?Hinchey 1A. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to quantify which (combination of) variables were independently related to the presence or absence of CD. A diagnostic prediction model was developed and validated to rule out CD.

Results: A total of 943 patients were included of whom 172 (18%) had CD. The dataset was randomly split into a derivation and validation set. The derivation dataset contained 475 patients of whom 82 (18%) patients had CD. Age, vomiting, generalized abdominal pain, change in bowel habit, abdominal guarding, C-reactive protein and leucocytosis were univariably related to CD. The final validated diagnostic model included abdominal guarding, C-reactive protein and leucocytosis (AUC 0.79 (95% CI 0.73–0.84)). At a CD risk threshold of ≤7.5% this model had a negative predictive value of 96%.

Conclusion: This proposed prediction model can safely rule out complicated diverticulitis. Clinical practitioners could cautiously use this model to aid them in the decision whether or not to subject patients to further secondary care diagnostics or treatment.     

Prophylactic resection, uncomplicated diverticulitis, and recurrent diverticulitis

The classifications of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis and complicated diverticulitis have served us well for many years. However, in recent years, we have noted the prevalence of variations of uncomplicated diverticulitis, which have not precisely fit under the classification of 'acute resolving uncomplicated diverticulitis', which manifests itself with the typical left lower quadrant pain, fever, diarrhea, elevated white blood count, and CT findings, such as stranding, and which resolves fairly promptly and completely on oral antibiotic therapy. For these other variations, we would suggest we use the term chronic diverticulitis, as a subset of uncomplicated diverticulitis, meaning there is no abscess, stricture, or fistula, but the episode does not respond to the usual antibiotic treatment, and there is a rebound symptomatology once the treatment has stopped, or there is continuing subliminal inflammation that continues, typically, for several weeks after the initial episode without complete resolution. This variation could also be termed 'smoldering' diverticulitis. A second variation of uncomplicated diverticulitis should be termed atypical diverticulitis, since this variant does not manifest all of the usual components of acute diverticulitis, particularly an absence of fever, and even white blood count elevation, and there may be a lack of diagnostic evidence of acute diverticulitis. This diagnosis must be compared with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, and it is sometimes very difficult to distinguish between these two entities. The character of the pain in irritable bowel syndrome is typically cramping intermittently, compared with the more constant pain in smoldering diverticulitis. In our study by Horgan, McConnell, Wolff and coworkers, 5% of 930 patients who underwent sigmoid resection fit into this category of atypical uncomplicated diverticulitis. These 47 patients all had diverticulosis, and 76% that had surgery had evidence of acute and chronic inflammation, and 15% had an unsuspected pericolonic abscess. There was no mortality and a low complication mortality rate (4.2%). Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in 76.5 with 80% being pain free. Therefore, this is mostly a diagnosis of exclusion, and clinicians must be careful to perform a thorough workup and evaluation before proceeding to surgery with this as a diagnosis. Ischemic colitis is also in the differential diagnosis, and many patients who have diverticulitis, have irritable bowel syndrome as well, so caution must be used in predicting positive outcomes after surgery in these patients.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of outpatient treatment for acute diverticulitis

Background

The shift from routine antibiotics towards omitting antibiotics for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis opens up the possibility for outpatient instead of inpatient treatment, potentially reducing the burden of one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in the Western world.

Purpose

Assessing the safety and cost savings of outpatient treatment in acute colonic diverticulitis.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies on outpatient treatment of colonic diverticulitis, confirmed with computed tomography or ultrasound. Outcomes were readmission rate, need for emergency surgery or percutaneous abscess drainage, and healthcare costs.

Results

A total of 19 studies with 2303 outpatient treated patients were included. These studies predominantly excluded patients with comorbidity or immunosuppression, inability to tolerate oral intake, or lack of an adequate social network. The pooled incidence rate of readmission for outpatient treatment was 7% (95%CI 6–9%, I² 48%). Only 0.2% (2/1288) of patients underwent emergency surgery, and 0.2% (2/1082) of patients underwent percutaneous abscess drainage. Only two studies compared readmission rates outpatients that had similar characteristics as a control group of inpatients; 4.5% (3/66) and 6.3% (2/32) readmissions in outpatient groups versus 6.1% (4/66) and 0.0% (0/44) readmissions in inpatient groups (p?=?0.619 and p?=?0.174, respectively). Average healthcare cost savings for outpatient compared with inpatient treatment ranged between 42 and 82%.

Conclusion

Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis resulted in low readmission rates and very low rates of complications. Furthermore, healthcare cost savings were substantial. Therefore, outpatient treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis seems to be a safe option for most patients.

     

Suspected uncomplicated cecal diverticulitis diagnosed by imaging: initial antibiotics vs laparoscopic treatment

AIM:To compare the recurrence rate following initial antibiotic management to that following laparoscopic treatment for suspected uncomplicated cecal diverticulitis. METHODS: We examined the records of 132 patients who were diagnosed with uncomplicated cecal diverticulitis and a first attack during an 8-year period. The diagnosis of uncomplicated diverticulitis was made based on imaging findings, such as inflamed diverticulum or a phlegmon with cecal wall thickening. Concurrent appendiceal dilatation from 8...     

Suprapubic single-port approach for complicated diverticulitis

Background

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is the gold standard for elective surgical treatment of diverticulitis. A periumbilical single-port technique reduces the size of the access wound, usually to 3–4 cm. However, in the presence of large phlegmon or fistulae, the risk of conversion is higher and the extraction site might be enlarged. A suprapubic Pfannenstiel incision reduces the risk of incisional hernia compared to umbilical access and might provide the possibility to perform sigmoidectomy with a hybrid technique. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy through a single suprapubic transverse access for large diverticular phlegmon.

Methods

Consecutive patients with a diverticular inflammatory mass?≥?5 cm, with or without sigmoid-vesical fistula, were considered candidates for laparoscopic sigmoidectomy through a 5-cm single-port suprapubic (SPSP) access, extended (if required) to match the size of the inflammatory mass.

Results

Twenty patients underwent SPSP sigmoidectomy at our institution in April 2014–April 2017. All procedures were completed by SPSP access, with no intraoperative complications or need for additional trocar placement. Eight patients had a sigmoid-vesical fistula (bladder sutured in three patients). The splenic flexure was mobilized in nine patients. Median operative time was 178 min and median hospital stay was 5.5 days (iqr 4–6). Postoperative complications occurred in four patients and included one subcutaneous hematoma, one urinary tract infection, and two superficial wound infections. After a median follow-up time of 25 months (interquartile range 15–38), all patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms, with no incisional hernias reported.

Conclusions

SPSP sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis is feasible and effective, minimizing the size of the access wound and avoiding increased risk of hernia. This approach might be especially valuable for the management of large diverticular phlegmon and sigmoid-vesical fistula.

     

Risk factors for complicated diverticulitis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review is to identify risk factors that can predict complicated diverticulitis. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is a self-limiting and mild disease, but 10% of patients with diverticulitis develop complications requiring further treatment. It is important to estimate the risk of developing complicated diverticulitis at an early stage to set the right treatment at initial presentation.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies reporting on risk factors for complicated diverticulitis. Complicated diverticulitis was defined as Hinchey ≥Ib or severe diverticulitis according to the Ambrosetti criteria. Meta-analyses were performed when at least four studies reported on the outcome of interest. This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included with a total of 4619 patients. Most were of reasonable quality. Only the risk factors “age” and “sex” were eligible for meta-analysis, but none showed a significant effect on the risk for complicated diverticulitis. There was reasonable quality of evidence suggesting that high C-reactive protein; white blood cell count; clinical signs including generalized abdominal pain, constipation and vomiting; steroid usage; a primary episode; and comorbidity are risk factors for complicated diverticulitis.

Conclusion

Although high-level evidence is lacking, this study identified several risk factors associated with complicated diverticulitis. Individually, these risk factors have little value in predicting the course of diverticulitis. The authors propose a prognostic model combining these risk factors which might be the next step to aid the physician in predicting the course of diverticulitis and setting the right treatment at initial presentation.

     

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.     

Benefits of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for complicated sigmoid diverticulitis

Background  The traditional therapy for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis with peritonitis is emergency colectomy usually with colostomy. We report laparoscopic exploration with peritoneal lavage as an alternative in seven patients who required emergency surgery for diverticulitis. Methods  Six patients presented with diffuse peritonitis and one with a failure of percutaneous therapy. All patients were explored laparoscopically and the peritoneal cavity was lavaged with saline in addition to receiving intravenous antibiotics. Patient demographics, clinical response, length of stay, and complications were recorded. Results  Six patients had resolution of peritonitis resolved and patients were discharged from the hospital. One of these patients who developed a pelvic abscess required a percutaneous drainage postoperatively. This patient ultimately returned 3 months later with recurrent symptoms and underwent colectomy with primary anastomosis. One patient failed to improve initially and underwent colectomy with primary anastomosis on the same admission. Five patients subsequently had elective sigmoid resections, four laparoscopic and one open. Mean length of stay was 7.7 days. There was no mortality. Conclusion  We conclude that laparoscopic exploration and peritoneal lavage can be performed safely in patients with diffuse, purulent peritonitis. Using this approach, most patients with purulent peritonitis can avoid emergent laparotomy with the risk of colostomy, and the need for a second surgery. The corresponding author had full access to all the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. This work was conducted at UMass Memorial Medical Center and was approved by the Institutional Review Board.     

Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and comorbidity can be treated at home

BackgroundPatients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and comorbidity are usually hospitalized. We analyze the efficacy and safety of treating these patients in Hospital at Home.MethodsProspective study since January 2007 to December 2009. Patients were transferred to the Hospital at Home after 12–24 h at Emergency Department Observation Ward. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotic until clinical condition improved.Results176 patients were diagnosed with uncomplicated diverticulitis at the Emergency Department. 18% of them (33) had comorbidity. Twenty four patients were transferred to the Hospital at Home (seventeen patients had cardiopathy, four diabetes mellitus and three chronic renal failure). Mean age was 73.4 years. All patients had abdominal pain and 29.1% fever; 45.8% presented with leucocytosis. 20.8% had a previous history of diverticulitis. Mean stay of patients was 9 days. All patients had a favorable course. The home treatment was successfully completed in 100% of patients. 95% of the patients expressed their satisfaction with this type of treatment.ConclusionsTreatment of patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and comorbidity at home after a short period of observation in Hospital is safe and effective.