Long-term mortality and recurrence in patients treated for colonic diverticulitis with abscess formation: a nationwide register-based cohort study

Italian guidelines for the diagnosis and management of colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease

Colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease are among the most common gastrointestinal disorders encountered in clinical practice. These Italian guidelines focus on the diagnosis and management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease in the adult population, providing practical and evidence-based recommendations for clinicians. Experts from five Italian scientific societies, constituting a multidisciplinary panel, conducted a comprehensive review of meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, and observational studies to formulate 14 PICO questions. The assessment of the quality of the evidence and the formulation of the recommendations were carried out using an adaptation of the GRADE methodology. The guidelines covered the following topics: i) Management of diverticulosis; ii) Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: diagnosis and treatment; iii) Acute diverticulitis: diagnosis and treatment; iv) Management of diverticular disease complications; v) Prevention of recurrent acute diverticulitis; vi) Interventional management of diverticular disease.

Clinical relevance of the 3-cm threshold in sigmoid diverticulitis with abscess: consensus or quandary?

PURPOSE

Diverticular abscess is a common manifestation of acute complicated diverticulitis. We aimed to analyze the clinical course of patients with diverticular abscess initially treated conservatively.

METHODS

All patients with diverticular abscess undergoing elective or urgent/emergency surgery from October 2004 to October 2022 were identified from our institutional database. Depending on the abscess size, patients were divided into group A (≤ 3 cm) and group B (> 3 cm). Conservative treatment failure was defined as clinical deterioration, persistent or recurrent abscess, or urgent/emergency surgery. Baseline characteristics and short-term perioperative outcomes were recorded and compared between both groups. Uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify determinants of conservative treatment failure and overall ostomy formation.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients were enrolled into group A (n = 73) and group B (n = 32). Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed abscess size as the only significant factor of conservative therapy failure [OR 9.904; p < 0.0001], while overall ostomy formation was significantly affected by an increased body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.366; p = 0.026]. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcome with the exception of a longer total hospital stay in patients managed with abscess drainage compared to antibiotics alone prior surgery in group B (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Abscess diameter > 3 cm is not just an arbitrary chosen cut-off value for drainage placement but has a prognostic impact on medical treatment failure in patients with complicated acute diverticulitis. In this subgroup, the choice between primary drainage and antibiotics does not appear to influence outcome at the cost of prolonged hospital stay after drainage insertion.

Diverticulitis with abscess formation: Outcomes of non-operative management and nomogram for predicting emergency surgery: The Diplicab Study Collaborative Group

BACKGROUND

To assess short- and long-term outcomes from non-surgical management of diverticulitis with abscess formation and to develop a nomogram to predict emergency surgery.

METHODS

This nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed in 29 Spanish referral centers, including patients with a first episode of a diverticular abscess (modified Hinchey Ib-II) from 2015 to 2019. Emergency surgery, complications, and recurrent episodes were analyzed. Regression analysis was used to assess risk factors, and a nomogram for emergency surgery was designed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,395 patients were included (1,078 Hinchey Ib and 317 Hinchey II). Most (1,184, 84.9%) patients were treated with antibiotics without percutaneous drainage, and 194 (13.90%) patients required emergency surgery during admission. Percutaneous drainage (208 patients) was associated with a lower risk of emergency surgery in patients with abscesses of ≥5 cm (19.9% vs 29.3%, P = .035; odds ratio 0.59 [0.37-0.96]). The multivariate analysis showed that immunosuppression treatment, C-reactive protein (odds ratio: 1.003; 1.001-1.005), free pneumoperitoneum (odds ratio: 3.01; 2.04-4.44), Hinchey II (odds ratio: 2.15; 1.42-3.26), abscess size 3 to 4.9 cm (odds ratio: 1.87; 1.06-3.29), abscess size ≥5 cm (odds ratio: 3.62; 2.08-6.32), and use of morphine (odds ratio: 3.68; 2.29-5.92) were associated with emergency surgery. A nomogram was developed with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.85).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous drainage must be considered in abscesses ≥5 cm to reduce emergency surgery rates; however, there are insufficient data to recommend it in smaller abscesses. The use of the nomogram could help the surgeon develop a targeted approach.

Diverticulitis is a population health problem: Lessons and gaps in strategies to implement and improve contemporary care

The disease burden of diverticulitis is high across inpatient and outpatient settings, and the prevalence of diverticulitis has increased. Historically, patients with acute diverticulitis were admitted routinely for intravenous antibiotics and many had urgent surgery with colostomy or elective surgery after only a few episodes. Several recent studies have challenged the standards of how acute and recurrent diverticulitis are managed, and many clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have pivoted to recommend outpatient management and individualized decisions about surgery. Yet the rates of diverticulitis hospitalizations and operations are increasing in the United States, suggesting there is a disconnect from or delay in adoption of CPGs across the spectrum of diverticular disease. In this review, we propose approaching diverticulitis care from a population level to understand the gaps between contemporary studies and real-world practice and suggest strategies to implement and improve future care.

Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized for Acute Diverticulitis With Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Introduction Diverticular disease and anxiety disorders are common in the general population. Prior research on diverticular disease showed that these patients have an increased frequency of anxiety and depression. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) on the outcomes of adult patients admitted with acute diverticulitis. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample database from the year 2014 and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes, acute diverticulitis patients were selected. The outcomes of diverticulitis patients with and without GAD were explored. The outcomes of interest included inpatient mortality, hypotension/shock, acute respiratory failure, acute hepatic failure, sepsis, intestinal abscess, intestinal obstruction, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and colectomy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if GAD is an independent predictor for the outcomes. Results Among 77,520 diverticulitis patients in the study, 8,484 had comorbid GAD. GAD was identified as a risk factor for intestinal obstruction (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05-1.43, p<0.05), and intestinal abscess (aOR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.29, p<0.05). GAD was found to be a protective factor for hypotension/shock (aOR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76-0.91, p<0.05) and acute respiratory failure (aOR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.93, p<0.05). The aORs of sepsis, inpatient mortality, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and colectomy were not statistically significant. Conclusions Patients with acute diverticulitis who are also diagnosed with GAD are at increased risk for intestinal obstruction and intestinal abscess, which may be due to the influence GAD has on the gut microbiota as well as the impact of GAD pharmacotherapy on gut motility. There was also a decreased risk for acute respiratory failure and hypotension/shock appreciated in the GAD cohort which may be attributable to the elevated healthcare resource utilization seen generally in GAD patients, which may allow for presentation to the emergency department, hospitalization, and treatment earlier in the diverticulitis disease course.

Long-term outcomes and risk factors for diverticulitis recurrence after a successful laparoscopic peritoneal lavage in Hinchey III peritonitis

PURPOSE

Recently, treatment of Hinchey III diverticulitis by laparoscopic peritoneal lavage has been questioned. Moreover, long-term outcomes have been scarcely reported. Primary outcome was to determine the recurrence rate of diverticulitis after a successful laparoscopic peritoneal lavage in Hinchey III diverticulitis. Secondary outcomes were identification of associated risk factors for recurrence and elective sigmoidectomy rate.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center was performed. Patients with Hinchey III diverticulitis who underwent a successful laparoscopic peritoneal lavage between June 2006 and December 2019 were eligible. Diverticulitis recurrence was analyzed according to the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test, censoring for death, loss of follow-up, or elective sigmoid resection in the absence of recurrence. Risk factors for recurrence were identified using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients had a successful laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (mean age: 63 years; 53.6% women). Four patients had an elective sigmoid resection without recurrences. Recurrence rate was 42% (n = 29) after a median follow-up of 63 months. The cumulative global recurrence at 1, 3, and 5 years was 30% (95% CI, 20-43%), 37.5% (95% CI, 27-51%), and 48.9% (95% CI, 36-64%), respectively. Smoking (HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.22-6.5; p = 0.016) and episodes of diverticulitis prior to laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (HR, 5.2; 95% CI, 2.11-12.81; p < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Diverticulitis recurrence after a successful laparoscopic peritoneal lavage is high, decreasing after the first year of follow-up. Smoking and previous episodes of acute diverticulitis independently increase the risk of new episodes of diverticulitis.

The optimal timing of elective surgery in sigmoid diverticular disease: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the optimal time point of elective sigmoidectomy regarding the intraoperative and postoperative course in diverticular disease.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature research was conducted for studies comparing the operative outcome of early elective (EE) versus delayed elective (DE) minimally invasive sigmoidectomy in patients with acute or recurrent diverticular disease. Subsequently, data from eligible studies were extracted, qualitatively assessed, and entered into a meta-analysis. By using random effect models, the pooled hazard ratio of outcomes of interest was calculated.

RESULTS

Eleven observational studies with a total of 2096 patients were included (EE group n = 828, DE group n = 1268). Early elective sigmoidectomy was associated with a significantly higher conversion rate as the primary outcome in comparison to the delayed elective group (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.5427-4.0019, p = 0.0002). Of the secondary outcomes analyzed only operative time (SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.0020-0.2701, p = 0.0466) and time of first postoperative bowel movement (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.1202-1.0233, p = 0.0131) were significant in favor of the delayed elective approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed elective sigmoid resection demonstrates benefit in terms of reduced conversion rates and shortened operative time as opposed to an early approach. Conversely, operative morbidities seem to be unaffected by the timing of surgery. However, a final and robust conclusion based on the included observational cohort studies must be cautiously made. We therefore highly advocate larger randomized controlled trials with homogenous study protocols.

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.

Colonic diverticulitis location is a risk factor for recurrence: a multicenter, retrospective cohort study in Asian patients

Evidence regarding the recurrence of diverticulitis is limited in Asian patients. This study aims to investigate recurrence rates and identify predictive factors for the recurrence of diverticulitis following successful nonoperative treatment in Asian patients. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2012 and 2018. Adult patients with computed tomography (CT)-proven colonic diverticulitis were included. The primary outcome was the recurrence of diverticulitis, which was defined as another episode of occurrence of the infection after index hospital stay. Cumulative recurrence rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression models were employed to identify parameters that significantly and independently predicted recurrence. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A total of 929 patients were included. Diverticulitis in the cecum/ascending occurred in 675 (72.6%) patients. The average follow-up period was 651 days. Recurrence was observed in 115 (12.4%) patients and most significantly observed in patients with sigmoid diverticulitis (HR, 2.24; 95% CIs 1.59-3.97), followed by those with descending colon diverticulitis (HR, 1.92; 95% CIs 1.17-3.25). Although most of the Asian patients had right-sided colonic diverticulitis, those with sigmoid diverticulitis had the highest risk of recurrence.

DAMASCUS Study Management Group. Diverticulitis Management, a Snapshot Collaborative Audit Study (DAMASCUS): Protocol for an international, multicentre, prospective observational study

AIM

Diverticular disease is an increasingly common problem in Western society with a variety of treatment options for those presenting with acute diverticulitis, dependent on clinical presentation. Additionally, there is significant international variability in the index management, and few published data on real-world clinical practice. The aim of DAMASCUS is to identify areas of practice variability and their potential association with differences in short- and medium-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

DAMASCUS is an international, collaborative, prospective observational study, recruiting patients from over 200 sites across six continents. The study opened in October 2020, with a rolling start. Identification of new sites ceased in February 2021 and data collection will cease in August 2021. All adult patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis (radiologically or intra-operatively) at each participating centre will be included. The primary objective of DAMASCUS is to assess for national and international variability in the presentation and index management of acute diverticulitis (medical, interventional radiology and surgical). Secondary objectives include assessing 30-day and 6-month clinical outcome data (readmission, re-intervention, morbidity and mortality) and variations in surgical procedures for those undergoing surgery. All data will be recorded and managed using a secure REDCap electronic data capture tool and analysed using Stata (SE) version 16.1. The results will be reported in accordance with the STROBE statement.

CONCLUSION

By analysing variations in the management of acute diverticulitis and the subsequent outcomes, DAMASCUS will be an important step towards identifying optimal care for patients with diverticulitis.

Failure of nonoperative management in patients with acute diverticulitis complicated by abscess: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess failure rates following nonoperative management of acute diverticulitis complicated by abscess and trends thereof.

METHOD

Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Nonoperative management was defined as a combination of nil per os, IV fluids, IV antibiotics, CT scan-guided percutaneous drainage, and total parenteral nutrition. The primary endpoint was failure of nonoperative management defined as persistent or worsening abscess and/or sepsis, development of new complications, such as peritonitis, ileus, or colocutaneous fistula, and urgent surgery within 30-90 days of index admission. Data were stratified by three arbitrary time intervals: 1986-2000, 2000-2010, and after 2010. The primary outcome was calculated for those groups and compared.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight of forty-four eligible studies published between 1986 and 2019 were included in the quantitative synthesis of data (n = 2598). The pooled rate of failed nonoperative management was 16.4% (12.6%, 20.2%) at 90 days. In studies published in 2000-2010 (n = 405), the pooled failure rate was 18.6% (10.5%, 26.7%). After 2000 (n = 2140), the pooled failure rate was 15.3% (10.7%, 20%). The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.725). After controlling for heterogeneity in the definition of failure of nonoperative management, subgroup analysis yielded the pooled rate of failure of 21.8% (16.1%, 27.4%).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found that failure rates following nonoperative management of acute diverticulitis complicated by abscess did not significantly decrease over the past three decades. The general quality of published data and the level and certainty of evidence produced were low.

[Indications for surgical treatment of diverticular disease]

BACKGROUND

The correct medical indications are the fundamental decision process for the surgical treatment and ensuring the quality.

OBJECTIVE

Description of the indications for surgical treatment of the various types of diverticular disease according to the current level of evidence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The narrative review is based on current national and international guidelines and a selective literature search.

RESULTS

There are basically three main indications for resection of the sigmoid colon. 1) Prophylactic for avoidance of complications after successful conservative treatment of acute complicated diverticulitis with macroabscess formation and high risk of recurrence (classification of diverticular disease, CDD, type 2b). 2) In patients with persistent symptoms and impaired quality of life resection of the sigmoid colon of various types (CDD types 1-3) can effectively enable a significant improvement in the quality of life and is therefore to be recommended in cases of individually acceptable perioperative risks. 3) Indications for urgent resection of the sigmoid colon are present for free perforation or failure of conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

The indications for surgery should be defined by the type of diverticular disease, the aim of surgical treatment, the evaluation of the efficacy of surgical treatment in comparison to conservative treatment and an individual appraisal of the risks.

The Indications for and Timing of Surgery for Diverticular Disease

BACKGROUND

Diverticular disease is one of the more common abdominal disorders. In 2016, approximately 130 000 patients received inpatient treatment for diverticular disease in Germany. The disease has a number of subtypes, each of which has an appropriate treatment. In this article, we present the current surgical indications and optimal timing of surgery for diverticular disease.

METHODS

This review is based on publications that were retrieved by an extensive, selective search in Medline and the Cochrane Library (1998-2018) for studies and guidelines with information on the indications for surgery in diverticular disease.

RESULTS

Studies of evidence grades 2 to 4 were available. Patients receiving a diagnosis of freely perforated diverticulitis and peritonitis (Classification of Diverticular Disease [CDD] type 2c) should be operated on at once. Covered perforated diverticulitis with a macroabscess (>1 cm, CDD type 2b) may be an indication for elective surgery after successful conservative treatment. New evidence from a randomized, controlled trial suggests that elective surgery should also be considered for patients with chronic recurrent diverticulitis (CDD type 3b). The decisive factor in such cases is the impairment of the quality of life for the individual patient. Elective surgery is indicated in chronic recurrent diverticulitis with complications (fistulae, stenoses). Asymptomatic diverticulosis (CDD type 0) and uncomplicated diverticulitis (CDD type 1) are not surgical indications. Likewise, in diverticular hemorrhage (CDD type 4), surgery is only indicated in exceptional cases, when conservative treatment fails.

CONCLUSION

The surgical indication and the proper timing of surgery depend on the type of disease that is present. Future studies should more thoroughly investigate the effect of surgery on the quality of life in patients with the various types of diverticular disease.

Surgical resection does not avoid the risk of diverticulitis recurrence-a systematic review of risk factors

PURPOSE

Fifteen percent of patients undergoing elective sigmoidectomy will present a diverticulitis recurrence, which is associated with significant costs and morbidity. We aimed to systematically review the risk factors associated with recurrence after elective sigmoidectomy.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for studies published until May 1, 2020. Original studies were included if (i) they included patients undergoing sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease, (ii) they reported postoperative recurrent diverticulitis, and (iii) they analyzed ≥ 1 variable associated with recurrence. The primary outcome was the risk factors for recurrence of diverticulitis after sigmoidectomy.

RESULTS

From the 1463 studies initially screened, six studies were included. From the 1062 patients included, 62 patients recurred (5.8%), and six variables were associated with recurrence. Two were preoperative: age (HR = 0.96, p = 0.02) and irritable bowel syndrome (33.3% with recurrence versus 12.1% without recurrence, p = 0.02). Two were operative factors: uncomplicated recurrent diverticulitis as indication for surgery (73.3% with recurrence versus 49.9% without recurrence, p = 0.049) and anastomotic level (colorectal: HR = 11.4, p = 0.02, or colosigmoid: OR = 4, p = 0.033). Two were postoperative variables: the absence of active diverticulitis on pathology (39.6% with recurrence versus 26.6% without recurrence) and persistence of postoperative pain (HR = 4.8, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Identification of preoperative variables that predict the occurrence of diverticulitis recurrence should help surgical decision-making for elective sigmoidectomy, while peri- and postoperative factors should be taken into account for optimal patient follow-up.

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Multicentre study of non-surgical management of diverticulitis with abscess formation

This multicentre retrospective cohort study included 447 patients with Hinchey Ib and II diverticular abscesses, who were treated with antibiotics, with or without percutaneous drainage. Abscesses of 3 and 5 cm in size were at higher risk of short‐term treatment failure and emergency surgery respectively. Initial non‐surgical treatment of Hinchey Ib and II diverticular abscesses was comparable between patients treated with antibiotics only and those who underwent percutaneous drainage in combination with antibiotics, with regard to short‐ and long‐term outcomes.

Most do not need drainage

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.