Selective non-antibiotic treatment in sigmoid diverticulitis: is it time to change the traditional approach?

Diagnosis and management of diverticular disease in primary care

ABSTRACT

Each year, more than 1 million ambulatory patient visits occur for diverticular disease, with nearly 75% of these patients seen in outpatient clinics. Although diverticulitis historically had been considered a disease of the older adult, it has become increasingly prevalent among the younger population. Likewise, in the past, antibiotics were considered first-line treatment for uncomplicated diverticulitis (Hinchey classification 0 and Ia); however, two large clinical trials compared treatment with antibiotics versus without antibiotics in uncomplicated cases of the disease and found no significant difference in patient outcomes. Based on these findings, first-line management now constitutes clear-liquid diet along with bowel rest for resolution of symptoms in these patients. Proper management with lifestyle modifications can help prevent complications and improve outcomes for patients with this condition; patient education is therefore critical.

European society of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship in emergency departments (endorsed by European association of hospital pharmacists)

SCOPE

This European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to support a selection of appropriate antibiotic use practices for patients seen in the emergency department (ED) and guidance for their implementation. The topics addressed in this guideline are (a) Do biomarkers or rapid pathogen tests improve antibiotic prescribing and/or clinical outcomes? (b) Does taking blood cultures in common infectious syndromes improve antibiotic prescribing and/or clinical outcomes? (c) Does watchful waiting without antibacterial therapy or with delayed antibiotic prescribing reduce antibiotic prescribing without worsening clinical outcomes in patients with specific infectious syndromes? (d) Do structured culture follow-up programs in patients discharged from the ED with cultures pending improve antibiotic prescribing?

METHODS

An expert panel was convened by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the guideline chair. The panel selected in consensus the four most relevant antimicrobial stewardship topics according to pre-defined relevance criteria. For each main question for the four topics, a systematic review was performed, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Both clinical outcomes and stewardship process outcomes related to antibiotic use were deemed relevant. The literature searches were conducted between May 2021 and March 2022. In April 2022, the panel members were formally asked to suggest additional studies that were not identified in the initial searches. Data were summarized in a meta-analysis if possible or otherwise summarized narratively. The certainty of the evidence was classified according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. The guideline panel reviewed the evidence per topic critically appraising the evidence and formulated recommendations through a consensus-based process. The strength of the recommendations was classified as strong or weak. To substantiate the implementation process, implementation trials or observational studies describing facilitators/barriers for implementation were identified from the same searches and were summarized narratively.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations on the use of biomarkers and rapid pathogen diagnostic tests focus on the initiation of antibiotics in patients admitted through the ED. Their effect on the discontinuation or de-escalation of antibiotics during hospital stay was not reported, neither was their effect on hospital infection prevention and control practices. The recommendations on watchful waiting (i.e. withholding antibiotics with some form of follow-up) focus on specific infectious syndromes for which the primary care literature was also included. The recommendations on blood cultures focus on the indication in three common infectious syndromes in the ED explicitly excluding patients with sepsis or septic shock. Most recommendations are based on very low and low certainty of evidence, leading to weak recommendations or, when no evidence was available, to best practice statements. Implementation of these recommendations needs to be adapted to the specific settings and circumstances of the ED. The scarcity of high-quality studies in the area of antimicrobial stewardship in the ED highlights the need for future research in this field.

The Emerging Role of the Microbiota and Antibiotics in Diverticulitis Treatment

Diverticular disease is the leading cause of elective colon surgery. With a rising incidence in younger populations, it continues to pose a significant burden on the health care system. Traditional etiopathogenesis implicated an infectious mechanism, while recent challenges to this theory have demonstrated the microbiome playing a significant role, along with genetic predispositions and associations with obesity and diet. Therefore, the role of antibiotics in uncomplicated disease merits reconsideration. In this review, we aim to outline the current knowledge regarding antibiotics for diverticulitis treatment, broadly define the microbiome components, functions, and modifiability, and discuss newly proposed pathogenetic mechanisms for diverticular disease that incorporate information regarding the microbiome. Analytic techniques for microbiota characterization and function continue to advance at a rapid pace. As emerging technology advances, we will continue to elucidate the role of the microbiome in diverticular disease development.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis: time to change traditional practice

BACKGROUND

To evaluate comparative outcomes of outpatient (OP) versus inpatient (IP) treatment and antibiotics (ABX) versus no antibiotics (NABX) approach in the treatment of uncomplicated (Hinchey grade 1a) acute diverticulitis.

METHODS

A systematic online search was conducted using electronic databases. Comparative studies of OP versus IP treatment and ABX versus NABX approach in the treatment of Hinchey grade 1a acute diverticulitis were included. Primary outcome was recurrence of diverticulitis. Emergency and elective surgical resections, development of complicated diverticulitis, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay were the other evaluated secondary outcome parameters.

RESULTS

The literature search identified twelve studies (n = 3,875) comparing NABX (n = 2,008) versus ABX (n = 1,867). The NABX group showed a lower disease recurrence rate and shorter length of hospital stay compared with the ABX group (P = 0.01) and (P = 0.004). No significant difference was observed in emergency resections (P = 0.33), elective resections (P = 0.73), development of complicated diverticulitis (P = 0.65), hospital re-admissions (P = 0.65) and 30-day mortality rate (P = 0.91). Twelve studies (n = 2,286) compared OP (n = 1,021) versus IP (n = 1,265) management of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. The two groups were comparable for the following outcomes: treatment failure (P = 0.10), emergency surgical resection (P = 0.40), elective resection (P = 0.30), disease recurrence (P = 0.22), and mortality rate (P = 0.61).

CONCLUSION

Observation-only treatment is feasible and safe in selected clinically stable patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis (Hinchey 1a classification). It may provide better outcomes including decreased length of hospital stay. Moreover, the OP approach in treating patients with Hinchey 1a acute diverticulitis is comparable to IP management. Future high-quality randomised controlled studies are needed to understand the outcomes of the NABX approach used in an OP setting in managing patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

Antibiotics are recognized widely for their benefits when used appropriately. However, they are often used inappropriately despite the importance of responsible use within good clinical practice. Effective antibiotic treatment is an essential component of universal healthcare, and it is a global responsibility to ensure appropriate use. Currently, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new antibiotics due to scientific, regulatory, and financial barriers, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. To address this issue, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery established an international multidisciplinary task force of 295 experts from 115 countries with different backgrounds. The task force developed a position statement called WARNING (Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance National/International Network Group) aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance and improving antibiotic prescribing practices worldwide. The statement outlined is 10 axioms, or "golden rules," for the appropriate use of antibiotics that all healthcare workers should consistently adhere in clinical practice.

Treatment for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis without antibiotherapy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Use of antibiotics in selected cases of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) has recently been questioned.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the safety and efficacy of treatment regimens without antibiotics compared with that of traditional treatments with antibiotics in selected patients with AUD.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines by searching through Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published before December 2022. The outcomes assessed were the rates of readmission, change in strategy, emergency surgery, worsening, and persistent diverticulitis.

STUDY SELECTION

RCTs on treating AUD without antibiotics published in English before December 2022 were included.

INTERVENTION

Treatments without antibiotics were compared with treatments with antibiotics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcomes assessed were the rates of readmission, change in strategy, emergency surgery, worsening, and persistent diverticulitis.

RESULTS

The search yielded 1163 studies. Four RCTs with 1809 patients were included in the review. Among these patients, 50.1% were treated conservatively without antibiotics. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between nonantibiotic and antibiotic treatment groups with respect to rates of readmission [odds ratio (OR)=1.39; 95% CI: 0.93-2.06; P =0.11; I2 =0%], change in strategy (OR=1.03; 95% CI: 0.52-2,02; P =0.94; I2 =44%), emergency surgery (OR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.12-1.53; P =0.19; I2 =0%), worsening (OR=0.91; 95% CI: 0.48-1.73; P =0.78; I2 =0%), and persistent diverticulitis (OR=1.54; 95% CI: 0.63-3.26; P =0.26; I2 =0%).

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity and a limited number of RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment for AUD without antibiotic therapy is safe and effective in selected patients. Further RTCs should confirm the present findings.

Antibiotics for uncomplicated diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

Diverticulitis is a complication of the common condition, diverticulosis. Uncomplicated diverticulitis has traditionally been treated with antibiotics, as diverticulitis has been regarded as an infectious disease. Risk factors for diverticulitis, however, may suggest that the condition is inflammatory rather than infectious which makes the use of antibiotics questionable.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this systematic review were to determine if antibiotic treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis affects the risk of complications (immediate or late) or the need for emergency surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, a comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform on February 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including all types of patients with a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of left-sided uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. Comparator and interventions included antibiotics compared to no antibiotics, placebo, or to any other antibiotic treatment (different regimens, routes of administration, dosage or duration of treatment). Primary outcome measures were complications and emergency surgery. Secondary outcomes were recurrence, late complications, elective colonic resections, length of hospital stay, length to recovery of symptoms, adverse events and mortality.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors performed the searches, identification and assessment of RCTs and data extraction. Disagreements were resolved by discussion or involvement of the third author. Authors of trials were contacted to obtain additional data if needed or for preliminary results of ongoing trials. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used to assess the methodological quality of the identified trials. The overall quality of evidence for outcomes was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Effect estimates were extracted as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed with the Mantel-Haenzel method.

MAIN RESULTS

The authors included five studies. Three studies compared no antibiotics to antibiotics; all three were original RCTs of which two also published long-term follow-up information.  For the outcome of short-term complications there may be little or no difference between antibiotics and no antibiotics (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.30 to 2.62; 3 studies, 1329 participants; low-certainty evidence). The rate of emergency surgery within 30 days may be lower with no antibiotics compared to antibiotics (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.13, 1.71; 1329 participants; 3 studies; low-certainty evidence). However, there is considerable imprecision due to wide confidence intervals for this effect estimate causing uncertainty which means that there may also be a benefit with antibiotics. One of the two remaining trials compared single to double compound antibiotic therapy and, due to wide confidence intervals, the estimate was imprecise and indicated an uncertain clinical effect between these two antibiotic regimens (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.11 to 4.58; 51 participants; 1 study; low-certainty evidence). The last trial compared short to long intravenous administration of antibiotics and did not report any events for our primary outcomes. Both trials included few participants and one had overall high risk of bias. Since the first publication of this systematic review, an increasing amount of evidence supporting the treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis without antibiotics has been published, but the total body of evidence is still limited.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence on antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis suggests that the effect of antibiotics is uncertain for complications, emergency surgery, recurrence, elective colonic resections, and long-term complications. The quality of the evidence is low. Only three RCTs on the need for antibiotics are currently available. More trials are needed to obtain more precise effect estimates.

Observational versus antibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis: A non-inferiority meta-analysis based on a Delphi consensus

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine if observational therapy is noninferior to antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis according to clinically relevant margins.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane were systematically searched by 2 independent reviewers to identify comparative studies of observational therapy versus antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. Non-inferiority margins (ΔNI) for each outcome were based on Delphi consensus including 50 patients and 55 physicians: persistent diverticulitis (ΔNI = 4.0%), progression to complicated diverticulitis (ΔNI = 3.0%), and time to recovery (ΔNI = 5 days). Risk differences and mean differences were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. One-sided 90% confidence intervals and Z-tests were used to determine non-inferiority. A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding patients post hoc determined to have complicated diverticulitis.

RESULTS

Nine studies (3 randomized controlled trials, 6 observational studies) met inclusion criteria: observational therapy (n = 2,011) versus antibiotics (n = 1,144). Observational therapy was noninferior to antibiotics regarding the risk of persistent diverticulitis (pooled risk differences: -0.39%, 90% CI -3.22 to 2.44%, ΔNI: 4.0%, P_NI < 0.001; I² = 66%) and progression to complicated diverticulitis (pooled risk differences: -0.030%, 90% CI -0.99 to 0.92%, ΔNI: 3.0%, P_NI < 0.001; I² = 0%). On sensitivity analysis, observational therapy remained noninferior for both outcomes. When stratified by study design, observational therapy also remained noninferior for both outcomes among randomized controlled trials only. Only 1 study reported on time to recovery as a continuous outcome, with no statistical difference between antibiotics and observational therapy.

CONCLUSION

According to clinically relevant ΔNIs, observational therapy was noninferior to antibiotics for the treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis with regard to persistent diverticulitis and progression to complicated diverticulitis.

Routine antibiotics may not be needed to treat uncomplicated right diverticulitis: A retrospective cohort study

We aimed to investigate whether antibiotic administration is necessary for patients with uncomplicated right colonic diverticulitis. Data from patients diagnosed with uncomplicated right colonic diverticulitis, who received inpatient treatment at a single center between January 2019 and January 2021, were retrospectively examined. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether antibiotics were administered. The patients were matched between groups using propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio using logistic regression with the nearest-neighbor method. The primary study outcome was the length of hospital stay, and the secondary outcomes were time to the introduction of sips of water and a soft diet. The study included 138 patients who received antibiotics and 59 who did not. After propensity score matching, 55 patients were assigned to each treatment group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age (p = 0.772), sex (p>0.999), body mass index (p = 0.121), prehospital symptom duration (p = 0.727), initial body temperature (p = 0.661), white blood cell count (p = 0.688), or C-reactive protein level (p = 0.337). There was also no statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the no antibiotic and antibiotic groups (3.1±0.7 days vs. 3.0±1.0 days, p = 0.584). Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the no antibiotic and antibiotic groups with respect to time to sips of water (2.1±0.7 days vs. 1.8±0.9 days, p = 0.100) and time to the introduction of a soft diet (2.4±0.8 days vs. 2.1±0.9 days, p = 0.125). The findings suggest that routine antibiotics may be not required for treating patients with uncomplicated right colonic diverticulitis.

Efficacy and Safety of Non-Antibiotic Outpatient Treatment in Mild Acute Diverticulitis (DINAMO-study): A Multicentre, Randomised, Open-Label, Non-Inferiority Trial

OBJECTIVE

Mild acute diverticulitis (AD) can be treated safely and effectively on an outpatient basis without antibiotics.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

In recent years, it have shown no benefit of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated AD in hospitalized patients. Also, outpatient treatment of uncomplicated AD has been shown to be safe and effective.

METHODS

A Prospective, multicentre, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial, in 15 hospitals of patients consulting the emergency department with symptoms compatible with AD.The Participants were patients with mild AD diagnosed by Computed Tomography meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control arm (ATB-Group): classical treatment (875/125 mg/8 h amoxicillin/clavulanic acid apart from anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment) or experimental arm (Non-ATB-Group): experimental treatment (anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment). Clinical controls were performed at 2, 7, 30, and 90 days.The primary endpoint was hospital admission. Secondary endpoints included number of emergency department revisits, pain control and emergency surgery in the different arms.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eighty patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to Non-ATB-Group (n = 242) or ATB-Group (n = 238). Hospitalization rates were: ATB-Group 14/238 (5.8%) and Non-ATB-Group 8/242 (3.3%) (mean difference 2.58%, 95% CI 6.32 to -1.17), confirming non-inferiority margin. Revisits: ATB-Group 16/238 (6.7%) and Non-ATB-Group 17/242 (7%) (mean difference -0.3, 95% CI 4.22 to -4.83). Poor pain control at 2 days follow up: ATB-Group 13/230 (5.7%), Non-ATB-Group 5/221 (2.3%) (mean difference 3.39, 95% CI 6.96 to -0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-antibiotic outpatient treatment of mild AD is safe and effective and is not inferior to current standard treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02785549); EU Clinical Trials Register (2016-001596-75).

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.

Management of colonic diverticulitis

Left sided colonic diverticulitis is a common and costly gastrointestinal disease in Western countries, characterized by acute onset of often severe abdominal pain. Imaging is necessary to make an initial diagnosis and determine disease severity. Colonoscopy should be done six to eight weeks after diagnosis to rule out a missed colon malignancy. Antibiotic treatment is used selectively in immunocompetent patients with mild acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. The clinical course of diverticulitis commonly includes unpredictable recurrences and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, which are a detriment to quality of life. A better understanding of prognosis has prompted a shift toward non-operative approaches. The decision to undergo prophylactic colon resection should be individualized to consider the severity of diverticulitis, the patient's health and immune status, and the patient's preferences and values, as well as benefits and risks. Because only a section of colon is removed, recurrent diverticulitis remains a risk. Acute diverticulitis with an abscess is treated with antibiotics that cover Gram negative and anaerobic bacteria, with or without percutaneous drainage. Acute diverticulitis with purulent or feculent contamination of the peritoneal cavity is managed with surgery; primary resection and anastomosis is the procedure of choice in stable patients.

Antibiotics Do Not Reduce Length of Hospital Stay for Uncomplicated Diverticulitis in a Pragmatic Double-Blind Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Antibiotic treatment is the standard care for patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. However, this practice is based on low-level evidence and has been challenged by findings from 2 randomized trials, which did not include a placebo group. We investigated the non-inferiority of placebo vs antibiotic treatment for the management of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.

METHODS

In the selective treatment with antibiotics for non-complicated diverticulitis study, 180 patients hospitalized for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis (determined by computed tomography, Hinchey 1a grade) from New Zealand and Australia were randomly assigned to groups given antibiotics (n = 85) or placebo (n = 95) for 7 days. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and answers to questionnaires completed every 12 hrs for the first 48 hrs and then daily until hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was length of hospital stay; secondary endpoints included occurrence of adverse events, readmission to the hospital, procedural intervention, change in serum markers of inflammation, and patient-reported pain scores at 12 and 24 hrs.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in median time of hospital stay between the antibiotic group (40.0 hrs; 95% CI, 24.4-57.6 hrs) and the placebo group (45.8 hrs; 95% CI, 26.5-60.2 hrs) (P = .2). There were no significant differences between groups in adverse events (12% for both groups; P = 1.0), readmission to the hospital within 1 week (1% for the placebo group vs 6% for the antibiotic group; P = .1), and readmission to the hospital within 30 days (11% for the placebo group vs 6% for the antibiotic group; P = .3).

CONCLUSIONS

Foregoing antibiotic treatment did not prolong length of hospital admission. This result provides strong evidence for omission of antibiotics for selected patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.

ACTRN

12615000249550.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in emergency colorectal surgery

AIM

There is a requirement for an expansive and up to date review of the management of emergency colorectal conditions seen in adults. The primary objective is to provide detailed evidence-based guidelines for the target audience of general and colorectal surgeons who are responsible for an adult population and who practise in Great Britain and Ireland.

METHODS

Surgeons who are elected members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Emergency Surgery Subcommittee were invited to contribute various sections to the guidelines. They were directed to produce a pathology-based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence-based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after two votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of care (excluding abdominal trauma) for emergency colorectal conditions have been included along with 122 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence-based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of emergency colorectal conditions and should serve as practical text for clinicians managing colorectal conditions in the emergency setting.

Treatment of Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis Without Antibiotics: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite low-quality and conflicting evidence, the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland recommends the routine use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. Recent studies have shown that treatment without antibiotics did not prolong recovery. Some new guidelines currently recommend selective use of antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety, effectiveness, and outcomes in treating uncomplicated acute diverticulitis without antibiotics with treatment with antibiotics.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library were searched with the key words antibiotics and diverticulitis.

STUDY SELECTION

All studies published in English on treating uncomplicated acute diverticulitis without antibiotics and containing >20 individuals were included.

INTERVENTION

Treatment without antibiotics versus treatment with antibiotics were compared.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the percentage of patients requiring additional treatment or intervention to settle during the initial episode. The secondary outcomes were duration of hospital stay, rate of readmission or deferred admission, need for surgical or radiological intervention, recurrence, and complication.

RESULTS

Search yielded 1164 studies. Nine studies were eligible and included in the meta-analysis, composed of 2505 patients, including 1663 treated without antibiotics and 842 treated with an antibiotic. The no-antibiotics group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (mean difference = -0.68; p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the percentage of patients requiring additional treatment or intervention to settle during the initial episode (5.3% vs 3.6%; risk ratio = 1.48; p = 0.28), rate of readmission or deferred admission (risk ratio = 1.17; p = 0.26), need for surgical or radiological intervention (risk ratio = 0.61; p = 0.34), recurrence (risk ratio = 0.83; p = 0.21), and complications (risk ratio = 0.70-1.18; p = 0.67-0.91).

LIMITATIONS

Only a limited number of studies were available, and they were of variable qualities.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis without antibiotics is associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay. There is no significant difference in the percentage of patients requiring additional treatment or intervention to settle in the initial episode, rate of readmission or deferred admission, need for surgical or radiological intervention, recurrence, or complications.

Antibiotics Versus No Antibiotics for Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are routinely used for diverticulitis irrespective of severity. Current practice guidelines favor against the use of antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the role of antibiotic use in an episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane were used.

STUDY SELECTION

Eligible studies included those with patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis receiving any antibiotics compared with patients not receiving any antibiotics (or observed alone).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pooled odds rate of total complications, treatment failure, recurrent diverticulitis, readmission rate, sigmoid resection, mortality rate, and length of stay were measured.

RESULTS

Of 1050 citations reviewed, 7 studies were eligible for the analysis. There were total of 2241 patients: 895 received antibiotics (mean age = 59.1 y; 38% men) and 1346 did not receive antibiotics (mean age = 59.4 y; 37% men). Antibiotics were later added in 2.7% patients who initially were observed off antibiotics. Length of hospital stay was not significantly different among either group (no antibiotics = 3.1 d vs antibiotics = 4.5 d; p = 0.20). Pooled rate of recurrent diverticulitis was not significantly different among both groups (pooled OR = 1.27 (95%, CI 0.90-1.79); p = 0.18). Rate of total complications (pooled OR = 1.99 (95% CI, 0.66-6.01); p = 0.22), treatment failure (pooled OR = 0.68 (95% CI, 0.42-1.09); p = 0.11), readmissions (pooled OR = 0.75 (95% CI, 0.44-1.30); p = 0.31). and patients who required sigmoid resection (pooled OR = 3.37 (95% CI, 0.65-17.34); p = 0.15) were not significantly different among patients who received antibiotics and those who did not. Mortality rates were 4 of 1310 (no-antibiotic group) versus 4 of 863 (antibiotic group).

LIMITATIONS

Only 2 randomized controlled studies were available and there was high heterogeneity in existing data.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis of current literature shows that patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can be monitored off antibiotics.

Is the outpatient management of acute diverticulitis safe and effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In Western countries, the incidence of acute diverticulitis (AD) is increasing. Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can undergo a standard antibiotic treatment in an outpatient setting. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the safety and efficacy of the management of acute diverticulitis in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Central and Web of Science up to September 2018. Studies including patients who had outpatient management of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis were considered. We manually checked the reference lists of all included studies to identify any additional studies. Primary outcome was the overall failure rates in the outpatient setting. The failure of outpatient setting was defined as any emergency hospital admission in patients who had outpatient treatment for AD in the previous 60 days. A subgroup analysis of failure was performed in patients with AD of the left colon, with or without comorbidities, with previous episodes of AD, in patients with diabetes, with different severity of AD (pericolic air and abdominal abscess), with or without antibiotic treatment, with ambulatory versus home care unit follow-up, with or without protocol and where outpatient management is a common practice. The secondary outcome was the rate of emergency surgical treatment or percutaneous drainage in patients who failed outpatient treatment.

RESULTS

This systematic review included 21 studies including 1781 patients who had outpatient management of AD  including 11 prospective, 9 retrospective and only 1 randomized trial. The meta-analysis showed that outpatient management is safe, and the overall failure rate in an outpatient setting was 4.3% (95% CI 2.6%-6.3%). Localization of diverticulitis is not a selection criterion for an outpatient strategy (p 0.512). The other subgroup analyses did not report any factors that influence the rate of failure: previous episodes of acute diverticulitis (p = 0.163), comorbidities (p = 0.187), pericolic air (p = 0.653), intra-abdominal abscess (p = 0.326), treatment according to a registered protocol (p = 0.078), type of follow-up (p = 0.700), type of antibiotic treatment (p = 0.647) or diabetes (p = 0.610). In patients who failed outpatient treatment, the majority had prolonged antibiotic therapy and only few had percutaneous drainage for an abscess (0.13%) or surgical intervention for perforation (0.06%). These results should be interpreted with some caution because of the low quality of available data.

CONCLUSIONS

The outpatient management of AD can reduce the rate of emergency hospitalizations. This setting is already part of the common clinical practice of many emergency departments, in which a standardized protocol is followed. The data reported suggest that this management is safe if associated with an accurate selection of patients (40%); but no subgroup analysis demonstrated significant differences between groups (such as comorbidities, previous episode, diabetes). The main limitations of the findings of the present review concern their applicability in common clinical practice as it was impossible to identify strict criteria of failure.

Antibiotics in Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis: To Give or Not to Give?

Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is generally felt to be caused by obstruction and inflammation of a colonic diverticulum and occurs in about 4-5% of patients with diverticulosis. The cornerstone of AUD treatment has conventionally been antibiotic therapy, but with a paradigm shift in the underlying pathogenesis of the disease from bacterial infection to more of an inflammatory process, as well as concerns about antibiotic overuse, this dogma has recently been questioned. We will review emerging data that supports more selective antibiotic use in this population, as well as newer guidelines that advocate this position as well. While there are no discrete algorithms to guide us, we will attempt to suggest clinical scenarios where antibiotics may reasonably be withheld.

Management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis without antibiotics: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of predictors of treatment failure

BACKGROUND

Diverticulitis is a common complication of diverticular disease of the colon. While complicated diverticulitis often warrants intervention, acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is usually managed conservatively. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment of AUD without antibiotics compared to standard antibiotic treatment.

METHODS

A systematic literature review in compliance with PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched. Studies that assessed efficacy and safety of treatment of AUD without antibiotics were included. Outcome parameters were rates of treatment failure, recurrence of diverticulitis, complications and mortality, readmission to hospital, and need for surgery.

RESULTS

Nine studies including 2565 patients were included to the review. Of these patients, 65.1% were treated conservatively without antibiotics. Treatment failure was observed in 5.1% of patients not-given-antibiotic treatment versus 3.4% of those given antibiotic treatment. Recurrent diverticulitis occurred in 9.3% of patients in the non-antibiotic group versus 12.1% of patients in the antibiotic group. On meta-analysis of the studies, there were no significant differences between non-antibiotic and antibiotic treatment groups regarding rates of treatment failure (OR = 1.5, p = 0.06), recurrence of diverticulitis (OR = 0.81, p = 0.2), complications (OR = 0.56, p = 0.25), readmission rates (OR = 0.97, p = 0.91), need for surgery (OR = 0.59, p = 0.28), and mortality (OR = 0.64, p = 0.47). The only variable that was significantly associated with treatment failure in the non-antibiotic treatment group was associated comorbidities (standard error (SE) = - 0.07, 95% CI - 0.117 - 0.032; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of AUD without antibiotics is feasible, safe, and effective. Adding broad-spectrum antibiotics to the treatment regimen did not serve to decrease treatment failure, recurrence, complications, hospital readmissions, and need for surgery significantly compared to non-antibiotic treatment.

Outpatient management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis results in health-care cost savings

PURPOSE

Outpatient management without antibiotics has been shown to be safe for selected patients diagnosed with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on admissions, complication rates and health-care costs of the policy of outpatient treatment without using antibiotics.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients diagnosed with AUD in the year before (2011) and after (2014) the implementation of outpatient management without antibiotics in Västmanland County were reviewed. Health-care cost analysis was performed using the Swedish cost-per-patient model.

RESULTS

In total, 494 episodes of AUD were identified, 254 in 2011 and 240 in 2014. The proportion of patients managed as outpatients was 20% in 2011 compared with 60% in 2014 (p < .001). There were 203 hospital admissions and a total length of stay of 677 days in 2011 compared with 95 admissions and 344 days in 2014 (both p < .001). The total health-care cost was €558,679 in 2011 compared with €370,370 in 2014 (p < .001). Three patients developed complications in 2011 and four in 2014 (p = .469).

CONCLUSIONS

The new policy of outpatient management without antibiotics in routine health care almost halved the total health-care cost without an increase in the complication rate.

Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis: Identifying Risk Factors for Severe Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The management of uncomplicated (Modified Hinchey Classification Ia) acute diverticulitis (AD) has become increasingly conservative, with a focus on symptomatic relief and supportive management. Clear criteria for patient selection are required to implement this safely. This retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors for severe clinical course in patients with uncomplicated AD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients admitted to General Surgery at two New Zealand tertiary centres over a period of 18 months were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out in order to identify factors associated with a more severe clinical course. This was defined by three endpoints: need for procedural intervention, admission >7 days and 30-day readmission; these were analysed separately and as a combined outcome.

RESULTS

Uncomplicated AD was identified in 319 patients. Fifteen patients (5%) required procedural intervention; this was associated with SIRS (OR 3.92). Twenty-two (6.9%) patients were admitted for >7 days; this was associated with patient-reported pain score >8/10 (OR 5.67). Thirty-one patients (9.8%) required readmission within 30 days; this was associated with pain score >8/10 (OR 6.08) and first episode of AD (OR 2.47). Overall, 49 patients had a severe clinical course, and associated factors were regular steroid/immunomodulator use (OR 4.34), pain score >8/10 (OR 5.9) and higher temperature (OR 1.51) and CRP ≥200 (OR 4.1).

CONCLUSION

SIRS, high pain score and CRP, first episode and regular steroid/immunomodulator use were identified as predictors of worse outcome in uncomplicated AD. These findings have the potential to inform prospective treatment decisions in this patient group.

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.

Multicentre, controlled, randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy and safety of ambulatory treatment of mild acute diverticulitis without antibiotics with the standard treatment with antibiotics

PURPOSE

Acute diverticulitis (AD) is a highly prevalent disease in Spain. Its chronic-recurrent appearance and high rate of relapse mean that it has a major epidemiological and economic impact on our health system. In spite of this, it has not been studied in any great depth. Reassessing its etiopathology, recent studies have observed that it is an inflammatory disease-not, as classic theories had postulated, an infectious one. In the light of these findings, the suitability of antibiotics for its treatment has been reconsidered. At present, however, the evidence for incorporating these findings into clinical practice guidelines remains insufficient.

METHODS

This study was designed to analyse the safety and efficacy of a non-antibiotic treatment for mild AD. Patients with mild AD (grade 0 in the modified Neff classification) who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of two outpatient treatment strategies: (a) classical treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and low-fibre diet) or (b) experimental treatment (anti-inflammatories and low-fibre diet). Clinical controls will be performed at 2, 7, 30, and 90 days. We will determine whether there are any differences in the clinical outcome between groups. The main objective is to demonstrate that antibiotics neither accelerate the resolution of the disease nor decrease the number of complications and/or recurrences in these patients, suggesting that their use may be unnecessary.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this trial will help to optimize and homogenize the treatment of this highly prevalent disease. However, more studies are required before firm changes can be introduced in international clinical practice guidelines.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial has been registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov database (ID: NCT02785549) and the EU Clinical Trials Register database (EudraCT number: 2016-001596-75).