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

Laparoscopic lavage: an option for surgical management of complicated diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

Acute diverticulitis with perforation and peritonitis is a serious complication affecting up to 12% of patients. Peritonitis is classified into purulent (Hinchey III) or fecal (Hinchey IV) categories. The standard treatment has traditionally involved emergency surgery, such as bowel resection with or without anastomosis or Hartmann's procedure, both of which carry high morbidity and mortality risks.

METHODS

In 2008, laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (LPL) emerged as a less invasive alternative for treating purulent peritonitis. This article outlines the LPL technique, emphasizing patient selection, procedural steps, and postoperative care.

RESULTS

Several clinical trials have compared LPL to traditional resection methods. These trials show that while LPL is associated with lower stoma prevalence and shorter recovery times, it also carries a higher risk of reoperation and misdiagnosis, especially in cases of fecal peritonitis. Proper patient selection, such as excluding immunosuppressed patients and those with Hinchey IV peritonitis, and careful intraoperative assessment are crucial for successful outcomes. While LPL is not superior to resection, it is a viable alternative in select cases.

CONCLUSION

LPL offers a minimally invasive option for treating complicated diverticulitis in appropriately selected patients, though careful surgical expertise and patient-centered decision-making are essential to optimizing results.

Management of Acute Diverticulitis and Incidental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a 67-Year-Old Male: A Case Report of Balancing Priorities in a High-Risk Patient

Diverticular disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent distinct but significant clinical entities often associated with advanced age. Diverticulitis, a common complication of diverticular disease, can result in perforation and systemic complications, while AAAs, frequently asymptomatic, carry substantial morbidity and mortality risks if undetected or untreated. Advances in imaging have improved the early identification of these conditions, yet the simultaneous management of both presents unique challenges requiring multidisciplinary coordination. A 67-year-old male with a history of ST-elevation myocardial infarction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking presented with left lower quadrant abdominal pain and abnormal outpatient computed tomography (CT) findings. Imaging revealed Hinchey 1a diverticulitis with a microperforation and an incidental 6.5 cm saccular AAA. The patient received conservative treatment for diverticulitis with intravenous antibiotics and transitioned to oral antibiotics upon clinical improvement. Following resolution, the patient underwent successful endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for the AAA, which was complicated by a type II endoleak identified postoperatively. Blood pressure management and hydration addressed acute kidney injury, and the patient recovered well with a multidisciplinary follow-up planned. This case underscores the importance of imaging in diagnosing coexisting conditions, particularly in high-risk populations. Management required balancing the risks of treating acute diverticulitis with the need for prompt intervention for a large, saccular AAA. The conservative approach to diverticulitis, followed by elective EVAR, reflects a patient-centered strategy consistent with current guidelines. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role of adhering to screening recommendations for high-risk populations, as timely detection of asymptomatic conditions like AAAs can prevent life-threatening complications.

Inferior mesenteric artery preservation techniques in the treatment of diverticular disease: a systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of different surgical techniques used to preserve the inferior mesenteric artery on patient outcomes following left colonic resection.

METHODS

A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, founding 4795 articles. The review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024572291).

RESULTS

Eleven articles published between 2001 and 2023, including 989 patients were the object of the present systematic review. Two hundred sixty-two patients (26.5%) underwent Valdoni's technique (Group A), which involves the skeletonization of the IMA, 272 (27.5%) underwent tubular resection (Group B), and 455 (46%) underwent peripheral dissection on sigmoid vessels (Group C). Laparoscopic surgery was predominant in Groups B (100%) and C (94.7%), while Group A had fewer laparoscopic procedures (44.6%). Patients in Group A experienced longer operative times (174.5 ± 27.4 min) and hospital stays (11.4 ± 3.6 days) compared to Groups B and C (165.9 min and 152.35 ± 46.9 min; 8.4 ± 5.7 days and 8.3 ± 3.6 days, respectively). Group A exhibited higher rates of anastomotic leakage (5%) compared to Group C (1.1%) and a higher incidence of bleeding (13%) compared to Group B (1.8%).

CONCLUSION

Valdoni's technique is less favourable for IMA preservation in left colon resection for diverticular disease. Peripheral dissection of sigmoid vessels or tubular resection is recommended for IMA preservation in this context.

Current diagnosis and management of acute colonic diverticulitis: What you need to know

ABSTRACT

Acute colonic diverticulitis is a common disease treated by acute care surgeons. Acute uncomplicated colonic diverticulitis involves thickening of the colon wall with inflammatory changes and less commonly requires the expertise of a surgeon; many cases may be treated as an outpatient with or without antibiotics. Complicated diverticulitis involves phlegmon, abscess, peritonitis, obstruction, stricture, and/or fistula and usually requires inpatient hospital admission, treatment with antibiotics, and consideration for intervention including operative management. This review will discuss what the acute care surgeon needs to know about diagnosis and management of acute colonic diverticulitis.

Emergency medicine updates: Acute diverticulitis

INTRODUCTION

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

OBJECTIVE

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

DISCUSSION

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Acute Colonic Diverticulitis: CT Findings, Classifications, and a Proposal of a Structured Reporting Template

Acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) is the most common complication of diverticular disease and represents an abdominal emergency. It includes a variety of conditions, extending from localized diverticular inflammation to fecal peritonitis, hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis due to its high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and interobserver agreement. In fact, CE-CT allows alternative diagnoses to be excluded, the inflamed diverticulum to be localized, and complications to be identified. Imaging findings have been reviewed, dividing them into bowel and extra-intestinal wall findings. Moreover, CE-CT allows staging of the disease; the most used classifications of ACD severity are Hinchey's modified and WSES classifications. Differential diagnoses include colon carcinoma, epiploic appendagitis, ischemic colitis, appendicitis, infectious enterocolitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. We propose a structured reporting template to standardize the terminology and improve communication between specialists involved in patient care.