The changing trend of diverticular disease in a developing nation

Distribution and Characteristics of Colonic Diverticula in Northern China

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of colonic diverticula is rising in eastern countries, possibly related to aging and the adoption of a western lifestyle. However, limited data exist regarding the distribution and endoscopic features of colonic diverticula in this population. This study aimed to assess the number, size, depth, and location of colonic diverticula in our study cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected data from patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Bao Di Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University. We thoroughly evaluated and documented any colonic diverticula encountered during the procedures. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore associations between participant characteristics and the presence of colonic diverticula.

RESULTS

Our study included a total of 27,021 eligible patients from our colonoscopy database, among whom 1529 individuals (5.67%) exhibited one or more diverticulosis. Patients with colonic diverticula (mean age: 58.6) were significantly older and exhibited a male predominance compared with those without diverticula. Cases of right-sided, left-sided, and bilateral diverticulosis were recorded in 1161 (76.0%), 170 (11.1%), and 198 patients (12.9%), respectively. Patients with right-sided diverticula (mean age: 55.2), more common in males, were younger than those with left-sided diverticula (mean age: 67.1, P < 0.05), which were more frequent in females (P < 0.001). Individuals aged 60 years or older (odds ratio: 4.32, P < 0.001) and those with bilateral diverticulosis (odds ratio: 21.2, P < 0.001) had a higher likelihood of having a greater burden of diverticula.

CONCLUSION

Colonic diverticula in Northern China predominantly manifests as right-sided, more common in males, and associated with older age. Notably, patients with right-sided diverticulosis tend to be younger than those with left-sided diverticula. In addition, a higher burden of diverticula is more prevalent in individuals aged 60 years or older and those with a bilateral distribution pattern.

Novel patch biomaterial treatment for colon diverticulosis in swine model

Current leading managements for diverticular disease cannot prevent the recurrence of diverticulitis, bleeding and/or other complications. There is an immediate need for developing new minimal invasive therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat this disease. Through a biomechanical analysis of porcine colon with diverticular lesions, we proposed a novel adhesive patch concept aiming at mechanical reconstruction of the diseased colon wall. This study aims to evaluate the surgical feasibility (safety and efficacy) of pulmonary visceral pleura (PVP) patch therapy using a pig model of diverticulosis. Six female Yucatan miniature pigs underwent collagenase injection (CI) for the development of diverticular lesions. The lesions in each animal either received patch implantation (treated group, n = 40 for 6 pigs) or left intact (untreated group, n = 44 for 6 pigs). The normal colonic wall in each animal received patch implantation at two spots to serve as control (n = 12 for 6 pigs). After 3 months of observation, the performance and safety of the patch treatment were evaluated through macroscopic and histological examination. We found that 95% of pouch-like herniation of the mucosa was prevented from the colon wall with the treatment. The pouch diameter was significantly reduced in the treated group as compared to the untreated group (p < 0.001). The patch application caused a significant increase in the levels of collagen of the colon tissue as compared to the untreated and control groups (p < 0.001). No difference was found in the lymphocyte and macrophage inflammatory infiltrate between the groups. Our results suggest that patch treatment efficiently inhibits the diverticular pouch deformation and promotes the healing of the colon wall with a normal inflammatory response, which may minimize the risk of diverticulosis reoccurrence and complications over time.

Prognostic performance of the 'DICA' endoscopic classification and the 'CODA' score in predicting clinical outcomes of diverticular disease: an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the predictive value of the Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) classification and to develop and validate a combined endoscopic-clinical score predicting clinical outcomes of diverticulosis, named Combined Overview on Diverticular Assessment (CODA).

DESIGN

A multicentre, prospective, international cohort study.

SETTING

43 gastroenterology and endoscopy centres located in Europe and South America.

PARTICIPANTS

2215 patients (2198 completing the study) at the first diagnosis of diverticulosis/diverticular disease were enrolled. Patients were scored according to DICA classifications.

INTERVENTIONS

A 3-year follow-up was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To predict the acute diverticulitis and the surgery according to DICA classification. Survival methods for censored observation were used to develop and validate a novel combined endoscopic-clinical score for predicting diverticulitis and surgery (CODA score).

RESULTS

The 3-year cumulative probability of diverticulitis and surgery was of 3.3% (95% CI 2.5% to 4.5%) in DICA 1, 11.6% (95% CI 9.2% to 14.5%) in DICA 2 and 22.0% (95% CI 17.2% to 28.0%) in DICA 3 (p<0.001), and 0.15% (95% CI 0.04% to 0.59%) in DICA 1, 3.0% (95% CI 1.9% to 4.7%) in DICA 2 and 11.0% (95% CI 7.5% to 16.0%) in DICA 3 (p<0.001), respectively. The 3-year cumulative probability of diverticulitis and surgery was ≤4%, and ≤0.7% in CODA A; <10% and <2.5% in CODA B; >10% and >2.5% in CODA C, respectively. The CODA score showed optimal discrimination capacity in predicting the risk of surgery in the development (c-statistic: 0.829; 95% CI 0.811 to 0.846) and validation cohort (c-statistic: 0.943; 95% CI 0.905 to 0.981).

CONCLUSIONS

DICA classification has a significant role in predicting the risk of diverticulitis and surgery in patients with diverticulosis, which is significantly enhanced by the CODA score.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02758860.

[Diagnosis and Treatment of Colonic Diverticular Disease]

Colonic diverticulosis is one of the most common conditions of the digestive system and patients generally remain asymptomatic. However, about 20% of patients develop symptomatic diverticular disease such as acute diverticulitis or diverticular hemorrhage, and these have become a huge burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Recent understanding of the pathophysiology of diverticulosis and diverticular disease suggests the role of multiple factors including genetic and environment. Based on this understanding, a preventive strategy to reduce the risk factors of diverticulosis and diverticular disease is highly recommended. The diagnosis of the acute diverticulitis relies on imaging modalities such as an abdominal-pelvic CT scan together with symptoms and signs. Treatment of diverticular disease should be individualized and include modification of lifestyle, use of antibiotics, and surgery. Recent guidelines recommend pursuing less aggressive treatment for patients with acute diverticulitis. This review will provide an overview of both the existing and evolving understanding regarding colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease and can help clinicians in the management of their patients with diverticular disease.

Acute Diverticulitis in Young Patients: A Review of the Changing Epidemiology and Etiology

Acute diverticulitis is one of the leading gastrointestinal causes for hospitalization. The incidence of acute diverticulitis has been increasing in recent years, especially in patients under 50 years old. Historically, acute diverticulitis in younger patients was felt to represent a separate entity, being more virulent and associated with a higher rate of recurrence. Accordingly, young patients were often managed differently to older counterparts. Our understanding of the natural history of this condition has evolved, and current clinical practice guidelines suggest age should not alter management. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the changing epidemiology of acute diverticulitis, consider potential explanations for the observed increased incidence in younger patients, as well as review the natural history of acute diverticulitis in the younger population.

Identification of diverticular bleeding needs early colonoscopy rather than preparation

Background and study aims  When patients present with acute colonic diverticulum bleeding (CDB), a colonoscopy is performed to identify stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH), but valuable time can be lost in bowel preparation. This study retrospectively examined groups of patients who either had a standard pre-colonoscopy regimen or no preparation. Patients and methods  This study compared data from 433 patients who either followed a lengthy regimen of bowel preparation (prepared group, 266 patients) or had no preparation (unprepared group, 60 patients). We compared the association between time (hours) between admission before starting a colonoscopy (TMS) and identification of SRH using a chi-square test. Results  In 48 of 60 cases (80.0 %) in the unprepared group, a total colonoscopy was performed and the time to identify SRH was decreased. The respective rates of SRH identification in the unprepared and prepared groups were 55.2 % (16/29) vs. 46.7 % (7/15) if the TMS was < 3 hours; 47.1 % (8/7) vs. 36.8 % (35/95) in 3 to 12 hours; 0 % (0/3) vs. 22.0% (13/59) in 12 to 18 hours; and 21.8 % (3/11) vs. 20.6% (42/204) in > 18 hours. There were no significant differences between the two groups. However, the SRH identification rates before and after 12 hours were 42.3 % (66/156) and 20.9 % (58/277) ( P  < 0.001). Conclusions  Our data suggest that the bowel preparation method before colonoscopy is an independent variable predicting success in identifying SRH among patients with CDB. Decreasing the time before colonoscopy to no more than 12 hours after admission played an important role in identifying SRH.

The Epidemiology and Etiology of Right-Sided Colonic Diverticulosis: A Review

Diverticulosis of the colon is a common condition in Western countries and most patients will remain asymptomatic, but some will present with symptoms of acute diverticulitis or bleeding. Our understanding of diverticulosis is evolving but is mostly derived from diverticulosis affecting the left-sided colon. In contrast, right-sided colonic diverticulosis (RCD) is more commonly seen in Asian countries but is much less common overall. Based on the marked differences in epidemiology, it is commonly thought that these are 2 distinct disease processes. A review of the literature describing the epidemiology and etiology of RCD was performed, with a comparison to the current understanding of left-sided diverticulosis. RCD is becoming increasingly common. The epidemiology of RCD shows it to be a mostly acquired condition, and not congenital as previously thought. Many factors in the etiology of RCD are similar to that seen in left-sided diverticulosis, with a few variations. It is therefore likely that most cases of RCD represent the same disease process that is seen in the left colon.

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.

Rising prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in a westernized multi-ethnic Asian community

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Singapore is a multi-ethnic country that has undergone rapid development over the last few decades, with increasing influence of western culture, and faces an aging population. Previously, a varying prevalence of colonic diverticulosis (CD) was reported by a few small studies. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of CD in Singapore and identify associations with common gastrointestinal symptoms and risk factors.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospective data of 20 395 consecutive colonoscopies performed from 2006 to 2016 for presence of CD and indications of screening, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CD progressively increased from 2006 to 2016 (14.9% vs 23.9%, adjusted trend < 0.001), with an overall prevalence of 19.6%. Patients with CD were older and had higher body mass index (BMI). CD was significantly more prevalent in Chinese compared with Malay and Indian races (20.5% vs 18.9% vs 15.5%, P < 0.05), and in male patients compared with female patients (21.5% vs 17.6%, P < 0.05). Right-sided CD was more common than left-sided or pan diverticulosis (16.2% vs 8.3% vs 4.8%, P < 0.05). Age [odds ratio (OR), 1.060; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.052-1.068], BMI (OR, 1.051; 95% CI, 1.028-1.075), male gender (OR, 1.317; 95% CI, 1.084-1.600), and abdominal pain (OR, 1.409; 95% CI, 1.168-1.699) were positively associated, while constipation (OR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.452-0.709) was negatively associated with CD.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CD in Singapore has progressively increased over the last decade and is associated with older age, higher BMI, and abdominal pain. These findings may provide insights for healthcare resource planning in the region.

Diverticular Disease Epidemiology: Rising Rates of Diverticular Disease Mortality Across Developing Nations

BACKGROUND

The incidence of diverticular disease is growing in the Western world. However, the global burden of disease is unknown in the developing world.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the global burden of diverticular disease as measured by disease-specific mortality while identifying indicators of rising disease rates.

DESIGN

We undertook an ecological analysis based on data from the World Health Organization Mortality Database. Then, we analyzed global age-adjusted mortality rates from diverticular disease and compared them to national rates of overweight adults, health expenditures, and dietary composition.

SETTINGS

National vital statistics data were collected.

PATIENTS

Diverticular disease deaths from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 2016 were evaluated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measured was the national age-adjusted mortality rate.

RESULTS

The average age-adjusted mortality rate for diverticular disease was 0.51 ± 0.31/100,000 with a range of 0.11 to 1.75/100,000. During the study period, we noted that 57% of nations had increasing diverticular disease mortality rates, whereas only 7% had decreasing rates. More developed nations (40%) than developing nations (24%) were categorized as having high diverticular disease mortality burden over the time period of the study, and developed nations had higher percentages of overweight adults (58.9 ± 3.1%) than developing nations (50.6 ± 6.7%; p < 0.0001). However, developing nations revealed more rapid increases in diverticular disease mortality (0.027 ± 0.024/100,000 per year) than developed nations (0.005 ± 0.025/100,000 per year; p = 0.001), as well as faster expanding proportions of overweight adults (0.76 ± 0.12% per year) than in already developed nations (0.53 ± 0.10% per year; p<0.0001).

LIMITATIONS

Ecological studies cannot define cause and effect.

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variability in diverticular disease mortality across the globe. Developing nations were characterized by rapid increases in diverticular disease mortality and expanding percentages of overweight adults. Public health interventions in developing nations are needed to alter mortality rates from diverticular disease. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B397. EPIDEMIOLOGÍA DE LA ENFERMEDAD DIVERTICULAR: TASAS CRECIENTES DE MORTALIDAD POR ENFERMEDAD DIVERTICULAR EN LOS PAÍSES EN DESARROLLO: La incidencia de la enfermedad diverticular está creciendo en el mundo occidental. Sin embargo, la carga mundial de la enfermedad es desconocida en el mundo en desarrollo.Determinar la carga global de la enfermedad diverticular medida por la mortalidad específica de la enfermedad mientras se identifican los indicadores de aumento de las tasas de enfermedad.Realizamos un análisis ecológico basado en datos de la Base de datos de mortalidad de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Luego, analizamos las tasas globales de mortalidad ajustadas por edad por enfermedad diverticular y las comparamos con las tasas nacionales de adultos con sobrepeso, gastos de salud y composición dietética.Datos nacionales de estadísticas vitales.Muertes por enfermedades diverticulares desde el 1 de enero de 1994 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2016.Tasa nacional de mortalidad ajustada por edad.La tasa promedio de mortalidad ajustada por edad para la enfermedad diverticular fue de 0,51 ± 0,31 / 100,000 con un rango de 0,11 a 1,75 / 100,000. Durante el período de estudio, notamos que el 57% de las naciones tenían tasas crecientes de mortalidad por enfermedades diverticulares, mientras que solo el 7% tenían tasas decrecientes. Las naciones más desarrolladas (40%) que las naciones en desarrollo (24%) se clasificaron como que tienen una alta carga de mortalidad por enfermedad diverticular durante el período de tiempo del estudio, y las naciones desarrolladas tuvieron porcentajes más altos de adultos con sobrepeso (58.9 ± 3.1%) que las naciones en desarrollo (50,6 ± 6,7%) (p <0,0001). Sin embargo, las naciones en desarrollo revelaron aumentos más rápidos en la mortalidad por enfermedades diverticulares (0.027 ± 0.024 / 100,000 por año) que las naciones desarrolladas (0.005 ± 0.025 / 100,000 por año) (p = 0.001), así como proporciones de adultos con sobrepeso en expansión más rápida (0.76 ± 0.12% por año) que en las naciones ya desarrolladas (0.53 ± 0.10% por año) (p <0.0001).Los estudios ecológicos no pueden definir causa y efecto.Existe una considerable variabilidad en la mortalidad por enfermedad diverticular en todo el mundo. Los países en desarrollo se caracterizaron por un rápido aumento en la mortalidad por enfermedades diverticulares y porcentajes crecientes de adultos con sobrepeso. Se necesitan intervenciones de salud pública en los países en desarrollo para alterar las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad diverticular. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B397.

Acute Diverticulitis in Elderly Patients: Does Age Really Matter?

OBJECTIVE

Contrasting results are reported on the clinical course of acute diverticulitis (AD) in the geriatric population. The aim of this study is to compare the AD clinical outcomes between patients aged up to 80 years and those ≥80 years.

METHODS

A total of 1,139 patients were enrolled: 276 patients aged ≥80 years were compared with a group of 863 patients aged <80 years. The primary outcome was to compare the overall mortality. Secondary outcomes included major complications, in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and need for surgical procedures.

RESULTS

Patients ≥80 years with AD had different clinical presentation compared with younger patients: they had less fever (21.4 vs. 35.2%; p < 0.001) and abdominal pain (47.8 vs. 65.6%; p < 0.001) rates, but a higher digestive tract bleeding (31.5 vs. 12.3%; p < 0.001) and fatigue (12.7 vs. 7.1%; p = 0.004) rates. Median LOS, cumulative major complications, and mortality rates were higher for patients ≥80 years.Multivariate analysis identified age, absence of abdominal pain, and dyspnea at presentation as independent predictors of intrahospital death or major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AD and age ≥80 years have a higher mortality rate and cumulative major complications as compared with younger patients. Invasive treatments were associated to a poor prognosis in this group.

Possible increased risk of colonic diverticular disease from alcohol intoxication or abuse

Alcohol consumption has been suggested as a potential risk factor for diverticular diseases. This study investigated the association between alcohol intoxication or abuse and colonic diverticular disease (CDD).Using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2008, 51, 866 subjects newly diagnosed with alcohol intoxication were enrolled in this study as the alcohol intoxication cohort. The control (nonalcohol intoxication) cohort was frequency-matched 1:4 by age, sex and index year. Data were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.The overall incidence of CDD (per 10,000 person-years) for the alcohol intoxication and control cohorts was 16.4 and 3.46, respectively. Compared with patients in the control cohort (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.76-3.74), those with alcohol intoxication exhibited a 3.21-fold risk of CDD; the risk was particularly higher in male patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 3.19, 95% CI = 2.72-3.74) and in those aged <45 years (aHR = 4.95, 95% CI = 3.91-6.27). The alcohol intoxication still had higher risk of CDD than nonalcohol intoxication, regardless of subjects without comorbidity (aHR = 3.38, 95% CI = 2.77-4.11) or with (aHR = 2.85, 95% CI = 2.25-3.61).There was a significant relationship between alcohol intoxication or abuse and CDD.

Vegetarianism as a protective factor for asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis in Asians: a retrospective cross-sectional and case-control study

Background/Aims

Dietary fiber intake is considered a protective factor for diverticular disease such as diverticulitis. However, evidence for an inverse connection between dietary fiber consumption and asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis is lacking. Specifically, few studies have investigated this subject in Asians with different presentations of diverticulosis. Therefore, we assessed the protective effects of a vegetarian diet for asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis in Buddhist monks who are obligatory vegetarians for spiritual reasons compared with the general population.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted in age- and sex-matched Buddhist monks and the general population who underwent colonoscopy for screening at a Korean health promotion center from August 2005 to June 2018. We compared the prevalence of asymptomatic diverticulosis between the 2 groups using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

In this study, a total of 1,316 individuals were included (Buddhist monks of 658 and general population of 658) with a mean age of 52.6±9.5 years. The prevalence of asymptomatic diverticulosis in Buddhist monks was lower compared with the general population (6.7% [44/658] vs. 10.8% [71/658], P=0.008). Buddhist monks had a higher rate of high body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome. By a multivariate regression analysis model, a nonvegetarian diet (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–2.72, P=0.004), old age (OR, 4.53; 95% CI, 1.36–15.12; P=0.014), male sex (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.28–2.85; P=0.002), and a high BMI (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01–2.23; P=0.047) were independent predictors of asymptomatic diverticulosis. Moreover, a nonvegetarian diet was associated with both right-sided and left-sided diverticulosis.

Conclusions

A nonvegetarian diet may increase a risk of asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis in Asians.

Novel swine model of colonic diverticulosis

The pathophysiology of colonic diverticulosis has not been completely understood. The development of appropriate animal models is essential to study diverticular disease. To date, no large animal models are available for this disease condition. The objective of this study was to develop a swine model by damaging the colon wall, combined with or without a low-fiber diet to mimic the pathogenesis of diverticulosis. To create a weakness on the colon wall, collagenase was applied in vivo to degrade the collagen in the colon wall. Three groups of Yucatan minipigs were included. Group 1 (n = 12) underwent collagenase injection (CI) with a low-fiber diet for 6 mo, group 2 (n = 8) underwent CI alone with a standard swine diet for 6 mo, and group 3 (n = 12) received a low-fiber diet alone for 6 mo. We found that diverticulosis occurred in 91.7% (11 of 12) of pigs in the CI + diet group and 100% (8 of 8) in CI-alone group. Moreover, around 30-75% of colon CI spots for each pig developed diverticular lesions. Diet alone for 6 mo did not induce diverticulosis. The endoscopic and histological examinations revealed the formation of multiple wide-mouthed diverticular lesions along the descending colon. Our results provide convincing evidence of the high efficacy of the reduced colon wall strength caused by CI in the development of a swine model of diverticulosis. Low-fiber diet consumption for 6 mo had no influence on the generation time or incidence rate of diverticulosis. In this model, digestion of the collagen in the colonic wall is sufficient to cause diverticulosis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Effective large animal models of diverticulosis are currently lacking for the study of diverticular disease. This study marks the first time that a swine model of diverticulosis was developed by damaging colon wall structure, combined with or without a low-fiber diet. We found that a defect of colon wall could result in colon diverticular lesions within 6 mo in swine. This animal model mimicking the pathological process of diverticulosis is of great clinical value.

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.

Epidemiology and risk factors for diverticular disease

Diverticulosis of the colon is the most frequent anatomical alteration diagnosed at colonoscopy. The prevalence of the disease is higher in elderly patients over 65 years old, recent studies show an increment also in youngers over 40 years old. Even its large prevalence in the population, its pathophysiology still remain poorly understood. It’s widely accepted that diverticula are likely to be the result of complex interactions among genetic factors, alteration of colonic motility, lifestyle conditions such as smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, fiber and meat intake with diet. Recently many authors considered also alterations in colonic microbiota composition, co-morbidity with diabetes and hypertension and the chronic assumption of certain medications like PPI, ARB and aspirin, as important risk factors for the development of diverticulosis. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise current knowledges on this topic. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Progress and challenges in the management of diverticular disease: which treatment?

Diverticular disease of the colon (DDC) includes a spectrum of conditions from asymptomatic diverticulosis to symptomatic uncomplicated diverticulosis, segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis, and acute diverticulitis without or with complications that may have serious consequences. Clinical and scientific interest in DDC is increasing because of the rising incidence of all conditions within the DDC spectrum, a better, although still limited understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms involved; the increasing socioeconomic burden; and the new therapeutic options being tested. The goals of treatment in DDC are symptom and inflammation relief and preventing disease progression or recurrence. The basis for preventing disease progression remains a high-fiber diet and physical exercise, although evidence is poor. Other current strategies do not meet expectations or lack a solid mechanistic foundation; these strategies include modulation of gut microbiota or dysbiosis with rifaximin or probiotics, or using mesalazine for low-grade inflammation in uncomplicated symptomatic diverticulosis. Most acute diverticulitis is uncomplicated, and the trend is to avoid hospitalization and unnecessary antibiotic therapy, but patients with comorbidities, sepsis, or immunodeficiency should receive broad spectrum and appropriate antibiotics. Complicated acute diverticulitis may require interventional radiology or surgery, although the best surgical approach (open versus laparoscopic) remains a matter of discussion. Prevention of acute diverticulitis recurrence remains undefined, as do therapeutic strategies. Mesalazine with or without probiotics has failed to prevent diverticulitis recurrence, whereas new studies are needed to validate preliminary positive results with rifaximin. Surgery is another option, but the number of acute events cannot guide this indication. We need to identify risk factors and disease progression or recurrence mechanisms to implement appropriate preventive strategies.

Management of Diverticular Hemorrhage: Catching That Culprit Diverticulum Red-Handed!

Background/Summary

Acute colonic diverticular hemorrhage (CDH) represents a significant challenge for gastroenterologists. There are some clinical problems in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CDH. CDH is the most common cause of overt lower gastrointestinal bleeding in adults in Eastern and Western countries. Moreover, CDH imposes significant economic and clinical burdens on the health care system. Colonoscopy is recommended as a useful diagnostic tool for CDH after bowel preparation. Colonoscopy can be used to identify the culprit diverticulum and to provide endoscopic therapy. In most cases, however, the bleeding stops spontaneously. For this reason, it is still controversial whether urgent colonoscopy or elective colonoscopy is "preferable."

Key Messages

This review aims to highlight the various clinical problems (purge, timing of colonoscopy, CT angiography, and endoscopy) encountered in the attempt to identify and treat the culprit diverticulum red-handed.

Prevalence of colorectal cancer in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis and the role of the interval colonoscopy

PURPOSE

Although computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing colonic diverticulitis today, there remains a risk of colorectal cancer mimicking diverticulitis due to overlapping imaging features. Current practice guidelines recommend interval colonoscopy after diverticulitis to exclude occult malignancy. Some authors have suggested that this may be unnecessary in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis. The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of occult colorectal cancer in patients with CT-proven acute uncomplicated diverticulitis in an Asian population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all patients admitted for CT-proven acute uncomplicated diverticulitis between 2007 and 2011 in a single institution. Colonoscopy and histopathology reports were reviewed for patients who underwent interval colonic evaluation. For patients who defaulted follow-up, national health records were reviewed for any subsequent diagnoses of colorectal cancer. The primary outcome was prevalence of colorectal cancer in the cohort. Secondary outcome was prevalence of advanced adenomas.

RESULTS

A total of 227 patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis were included in our study. One hundred and thirty-five patients (59.5%) underwent follow-up colonic evaluation. The overall prevalence of colorectal cancer was 1.8%, with half these patients presenting with acute colonic obstruction after defaulting follow-up evaluation. Of the patients, 1.5% who underwent colonoscopy had advanced adenomas.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of colorectal cancer in patients with CT-proven acute uncomplicated diverticulitis may not be as low as previously suggested. We recommend that patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis continue to be offered interval colonoscopy until larger studies demonstrate the safety of omission.

Increasing Diverticulosis in an Aging Population: A Colonoscopy-Based Study of 5-Year Trends in 26 463 Patients in Northern China

Background

Because such data are scarce in northern China, the purpose of this study was to determine trends in diverticulosis over the past 5 years.

Material/Methods

A total of 26 463 patients (27 558 examinations, including 1095 repeated colonoscopies) performed between January 2011 and December 2015 were reviewed respectively. The distributions of diverticulosis were recorded, which were classified as right-sided, left-sided, and bilateral type. The trends in diverticulosis were analyzed in terms of aging and yearly increase. Additionally, associations of the occurrence of diverticulosis with age (≤39, 40–59, and ≥60 years) and sex were determined using a logistic regression model.

Results

We identified 1045 patients with colonic diverticulosis, with an overall prevalence of 3.8% (1045/27 558). A preponderance of right-sided diverticulosis was demonstrated, accounting for 72.9% (693/951) of included subjects. The proportion of colonic diverticulosis increased significantly (P<0.001 for trend), from 2.78% (112/4028) in 2011 to 4.98% (309/6208) in 2015. The proportion of patients of all age groups with diverticulosis increased significantly (P<0.001 for trend) in correlation with yearly increase. There was a greater proportion of diverticulosis, regardless of the distribution, in patients aged ≥60 than in younger age groups (P<0.001 for trend). Multivariate analysis showed older age and male sex (P<0.001) were independent risk factor for diverticulosis.

Conclusions

Colonic diverticulosis has been increasing in northern China, where rapid aging is ongoing.

Diverticular Disease: Traditional and Evolving Paradigms

Diverticular disease includes diverticulosis, which are sac protrusions of the intestinal mucosa, and diverticulitis, inflammation of the diverticula. Diverticular disease is listed as one of the top 10 leading physician diagnoses for gastrointestinal disorders in outpatient clinic visits in the United States. There are several classifications of diverticular disease ranging from asymptomatic diverticulosis to diverticulitis with complications. Several theories are linked to the development of diverticula which includes the physiology of the colon itself, collagen cross-linking, and recently challenged, low-fiber intake. The differential diagnoses of lower abdominal pain in addition to diverticular disease have overlapping signs and symptoms, which can make a diagnosis challenging. Identification of the distinct signs and symptoms of each classification will assist the practitioner in making the correct diagnosis and lead to appropriate management. The findings from recent studies have changed the paradigm of diverticular disease. The purpose of this article is to discuss traditional dogma and evolving concepts in the pathophysiology, prevention, and management of diverticular disease. Practitioners must be knowledgeable about diverticular disease for improved outcomes.

Sex differences in risk factors of uncomplicated colonic diverticulosis in a metropolitan area from Northern China

As the world’s most populated and rapidly aging country, there is limited information on sex-related differences in factors regarding uncomplicated colonic diverticulosis in China. We aimed to investigate sex differences in individual risk factor in a northern metropolis. Patients with colonic diverticulosis who underwent indicated colonoscopy were queried with respect to medical history and demographic features. Demographic information, life style factors and co-morbidities were retrieved from a prospective dataset. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine precipitating factors of diverticula. Of 4,386 enrolled patients, colonic diverticulosis were detected in 218 cases (4.97%). Multiple logistic regression analysis implicated increasing age (OR = 1.05, 95%CI 1.03–1.06, P < 0.001), red meat ≥100 g/d (OR = 2.53, 95%CI 1.72–3.70, P < 0.001), smoking (OR = 2.14, 95%CI 1.05–4.33, P = 0.035), rheumatologic diseases (OR = 3.38, 95%CI 1.09–10.5, P = 0.035) and NSAIDs (OR = 2.11, 95%CI 1.12–3.97, P = 0.020) were significantly associated with diverticulosis in men, whilst advancing age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05, P = 0.013), BMI (OR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.04–1.19, P = 0.001), smoking (OR = 10.2, 95%CI 2.81–37.4, P < 0.001), rheumatologic diseases (OR = 8.04, 95%CI 3.05–21.2, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 1.76, 95%CI 1.01–3.06, P = 0.047), colonic polyps (OR = 3.12, 95%CI 1.82–5.36, P < 0.001) and antihypertensive medications (OR = 2.99, 95%CI 1.66–5.39, P < 0.001) in women. In conclusion, it is pivotal to take account of differentially sex-related factors in regard to the development of uncomplicated colonic diverticulosis.

Colonic diverticulosis is not a risk factor for colonic adenoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Colonic diverticulosis may represent a risk factor for colonic adenomas by virtue of the fact that evolving data suggest that these 2 conditions may share common risk factors such as Western dietary pattern and physical inactivity. This study aims to investigate the association between colonic diverticulosis and colonic adenomas in mainland China.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients who underwent colonoscopic examination between October 2013 and December 2014 in a university hospital in mainland China. Age, gender, colonic adenomas, advanced adenomas, and distribution of diverticulosis were recorded during the procedures. Multivariate logistic regression and stratified analysis were used to evaluate the associations between the prevalence of diverticulosis and age, sex, and presence of colonic adenomas and advanced adenomas.

RESULTS

A total of 17,456 subjects were enrolled. The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis and adenoma was 2.4% and 13.2%, respectively. With regard to distribution of diverticula, most (365/424, 86.1%) were right-sided. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that age and male gender were independent risk factors for adenoma and advanced adenoma. There was no relationship between diverticulosis or location of diverticulosis and presence of adenoma and advanced adenoma adjusting by age and gender. In a stratified analysis according to age and gender, similar results were also noted.

CONCLUSION

There was no statistical relationship between diverticulosis and the risk of adenoma and advanced adenoma. Our results may not be generalized to the Western population due to the fact that left-sided diverticular cases were very small in our study.

Diagnosis and management of right colonic diverticular disease: A review

The aim of this narrative review is to define the clinical-pathological characteristics and to clarify the management of right colonic diverticular disease. It is rare in Europe, USA and Australia and more common in Asia. In the recent years its incidence has increased in the West, with various distributions among populations. Many studies have reported that it is difficult to differentiate the presenting symptoms of this disease from those of appendicitis before surgery, because the signs and symptoms are similar, so misdiagnosis is not infrequent. With accurate imaging studies it is possible to reach a precise preoperative diagnosis, in order to assess an accurate treatment strategy. Currently the management of this disease is not well defined, no clear guidelines have been proposed and it is not known whether the guidelines for left colonic diverticular disease can also be applied for it. Several authors have stated that conservative management is the best approach, even in case of recurrence, and surgery should be indicated in selected cases.

Prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in mainland China from 2004 to 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in mainland China. Sixty two thousand and thirty-four colonoscopies performed between Jan 2004 and Dec 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The overall diverticulosis prevalence was 1.97% and out of this, 85.3% was right-sided. Prevalence does not change, significantly, on trends between the period 2004-2014. The peak of prevalence of diverticulosis was compared between the female group aged >70 years to the male one of 41-50 years. The other peak, otherwise, was compared between the group of 51-60 years with the right-sided diverticulosis to the one of >70 years with left-sided disease. Multivariate analysis suggested that the male gender could be a risk factor for diverticulosis in the group aged ≤70 years, but not for the older patients. In addition, among men was registered an increased risk factor for right-sided diverticulosis and, at the same time, a protective one for left-sided localization. In conclusion, the prevalence of colonic diverticulosis is very low in mainland China and it does not change significantly on trends over the time. Both the prevalence of this condition and its distribution changes according to the age and the genders. These findings may lead the researchers to investigate the mechanisms causing this kind of disease and its distribution in regard of the age and the gender.

The Current Role of Radiologic and Endoscopic Imaging in the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Colonic Diverticular Disease

OBJECTIVE

Colonic diverticular disease is among the most prevalent conditions in Western society and is a common cause for outpatient visits and hospitalizations. The role of imaging is in evolution, but it has proven useful in confirming clinically suspected disease, assessing severity and complications, and directing patient management.

CONCLUSION

This review focuses on the current role of radiologic and endoscopic imaging in distinct clinical scenarios of diverticular disease, with emphasis on diverticulitis and its follow-up.

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

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

Diverticulosis today: unfashionable and still under-researched

Diverticulosis of the colon is a widespread disease, and its prevalence is increasing especially in the developing world. The underlying pathological mechanisms that cause the formation of colonic diverticula remain unclear but are likely to be the result of complex interactions among age, diet, genetic factors, colonic motility, and changes in colonic structure. The large majority of patients remain asymptomatic throughout their life, one fifth of them become symptomatic (developing the so-called 'diverticular disease') while only a minority of these will develop acute diverticulitis. The factors predicting the development of symptoms remain to be identified. Again, it is generally recognized that diverticular disease occurrence is probably related to complex interactions among colonic motility, diet, lifestyle, and genetic features. Changes in intestinal microflora due to low-fiber diet and consequent low-grade inflammation are thought to be one of the mechanisms responsible for symptoms occurrence of both diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis. Current therapeutic approaches with rifaximin and mesalazine to treat the symptoms seem to be promising. Antibiotic treatment is currently advised only in acute complicated diverticulitis, and no treatment has currently proven effective in preventing the recurrence of acute diverticulitis. Further studies are required in order to clarify the reasons why diverticulosis occurs and the factors triggering occurrence of symptoms. Moreover, the reasons why rifaximin and mesalazine work in symptomatic diverticular disease but not in acute diverticulitis are yet to be elucidated.

Predictive value of the Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) endoscopic classification on the outcome of diverticular disease of the colon: An international study

BACKGROUND

Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) endoscopic classification has been recently developed for patients suffering from diverticulosis and diverticular disease.

AIMS

We assessed retrospectively the predictive value of DICA in patients for whom endoscopic data and clinical follow-up were available.

METHODS

For each patient, we recorded: age, severity of DICA, presence of abdominal pain, C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin test (if available) at the time of diagnosis; months of follow-up; therapy taken during the follow-up to maintain remission (if any); occurrence/recurrence of diverticulitis; need of surgery.

RESULTS

We enrolled 1651 patients (793 M, 858 F, mean age 66.6 ± 11.1 years): 939 (56.9%) patients were classified as DICA 1, 501 (30.3%) patients as DICA 2 and 211 (12.8%) patients as DICA 3. The median follow-up was 24 (9-38) months. Acute diverticulitis (AD) occurred/recurred in 263 (15.9%) patients; surgery was necessary in 57 (21.7%) cases. DICA was the only factor significantly associated to the occurrence/recurrence of diverticulitis and surgery either at univariate (χ(2 )= 405.029; p < 0.0001) or multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 4.319, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.639-5.126; p < 0.0001). Only in DICA 2 patients was therapy effective for prevention of AD occurrence/recurrence with a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.598 (0.391-0.914) (p = 0.006, log rank test). Mesalazine-based therapies reduced the risk of AD occurrence/recurrence and needs of surgery with a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.2103 (0.122-0.364) and 0.459 (0.258-0.818), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

DICA classification is a valid parameter to predict the risk of diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence in patients suffering from diverticular disease of the colon.

The genetic epidemiology of diverticulosis and diverticular disease: Emerging evidence

Diverticular disease (DD) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. The pathogenesis of diverticulosis and DD is controversially discussed. Current studies call the traditional concept of a fibre-deficient diet causing the development of diverticula into question. Data from two recent twin studies have provided conclusive evidence for a strong genetic component to diverticulosis. Although genomewide association studies have provided new insights into the polygenic architecture of human diseases, genomic research in diverticulosis and DD has just been started. This is an astonishing fact given the high morbidity and mortality of the disease, as well as the substantial economic burden on health care systems. For this review, we provide an update of the molecular pathobiology and summarise recent evidence supporting the hypothesis that distinct, yet unidentified genetic variants contribute to the development of diverticulosis and DD.

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

BACKGROUND

The incidence of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon, including diverticulitis, is increasing worldwide, and becoming a significant burden on national health systems. Treatment of patients with diverticulosis and DD is generally based on high-fibre diet and antibiotics, respectively. However, new pathophysiological knowledge suggests that further treatment may be useful.

AIM

To review the current treatment of diverticulosis and diverticular disease.

METHODS

A search of PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify articles relevant to the management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease. Major international conferences were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Two randomised controlled trials (RCT) found the role of antibiotics in managing acute diverticulitis to be questionable, particularly in patients with no complicating comorbidities. One RCT found mesalazine to be effective in preventing acute diverticulitis in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The role of rifaximin or mesalazine in preventing diverticulitis recurrence, based on the results of 1 and 4 RCTs, respectively, remains unclear. RCTs found rifaximin and mesalazine to be effective in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The use of probiotics in diverticular disease and in preventing acute diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence appears promising but unconclusive. Finally, the role of fibre in treating diverticulosis remains unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence suggests that antibiotics have a role only in the treatment of complicated diverticulitis. It appears to be some evidence for a role for rifaximin and mesalazine in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. Finally, there is not currently adequate evidence to recommend any medical treatment for the prevention of diverticulitis recurrence.

Changing views on diverticular disease: impact of aging, obesity, diet, and microbiota

The development of colonic diverticulosis is a common aging change in industrialized nations. While most patients have asymptomatic diverticulosis, around one in five develops symptomatic diverticular disease. This is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and disturbed bowel habit. Some of the pain episodes are prolonged and are due to acute diverticulitis, which itself may be complicated by abscess, perforation, fistulation, or stricture formation. Risk factors favouring the development of symptomatic diverticular disease include obesity, smoking and diets low in fiber but high in red meat and animal fat. What determines the transition from asymptomatic diverticulosis to symptomatic diverticular disease is unclear but neuromuscular changes following acute diverticulitis may be responsible in some cases. The severity of symptoms generated depends on cerebral pain processing which is influenced by psychosocial factors. These are important considerations in deciding optimal patient management. Prior theories of the cause of diverticulosis suggested that constipation was an important cause, but new data challenge this and has provoked new ideas. Underlying mechanisms causing diverticulosis include weakening of the colonic wall and/or degenerative changes in the enteric nerves. Dietary induced changes in microbiota and the host inflammatory response may underlie the subsequent development of acute/chronic diverticulitis and its sequela.

Right-Sided Diverticulosis and Disparities from Left-Sided Diverticulosis in the Vietnamese Population Living in Boston, Mass., USA: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To report the prevalence, clinical differences and complications of right-sided diverticulosis (RD) and to investigate the potential disparities from left-sided diverticulosis (LD) in the Vietnamese population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records of Vietnamese-born patients from 2000 to 2013 in a community teaching hospital in Boston, Mass., USA. By simple randomization, a randomized control group of 299 Caucasian patients was also selected from the same time frame [167 males (M) and 132 females (F)]. Colonoscopy reports were reviewed for demographics (age and gender), indication and anatomical location of the colonic diverticulosis (CD), concomitant colonic findings, symptoms, and endoscopic complications.

RESULTS

A total of 207 patients were included in the Vietnamese cohort (mean age 61.6 ± 8.9 years). The mean age at first screening colonoscopy was 58.2 ± 7.2 years (114 F/92 M, 55.7/44.4%). Our study identified 104 (50.5%) patients with LD (57 M/47 F), 65 (31.1%) with RD (35 M/30 F) and 38 (18.4%) with both LD and RD (23 M/15 F); 133 (64%) were asymptomatic. A total of 21 (33%) patients with RD were symptomatic. The mean age of the control group was 61.6 ± 8.1 years. The average age at first screening colonoscopy was 52.8 ± 6.4 years. Of the 299 in the Caucasian group, 254 (84.9%) had LD (114 M/140 F), 9 (3.0%) had RD (2 M/7 F) and 36 (12%) had both LD and RD (16 M/20 F); 225 (75%) were asymptomatic and came in for screening colonoscopies. A total of 2 patients (22%) with RD were symptomatic.

CONCLUSION

RD was common in this Vietnamese population, and the prevalence was higher than in the Caucasian control group.

Aspirin and non-aspirin NSAIDs increase risk of colonic diverticular bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is a frequent cause of hospitalization, particularly in the elderly, and its incidence appears to be on the rise. Colonic diverticular bleeding is the most common form of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and is responsible for 30-40 % of bleeding episodes. Risk factors associated with diverticular bleeding include obesity, hypertension, anticoagulants, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease. Recent studies have suggested a relationship between usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colonic diverticular bleeding; however, most studies were small with wide confidence intervals. We identified studies by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases (from inception through 31 December 2012) and by searching bibliographies of relevant articles. Summary relative risks (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with fixed-effects and random-effects models. A total of six studies (five case-control studies and one cohort study) met inclusion criteria for analysis. Non-aspirin NSAIDs (NANSAIDs) and aspirin were associated with an increased risk of colonic diverticular bleeding (summary RR = 2.48, 95 % CI 1.86-3.31), with moderate heterogeneity among these studies (P heterogeneity = 0.11, I (2) = 44.4 %). Stratification to evaluate the heterogeneity found that both NANSAIDs (summary RR = 2.24, 95 % CI 1.63-3.09; 5 studies) and aspirin (summary RR = 1.73; 95 % CI 1.31-2.30; 3 studies) were associated with the risk of diverticular bleeding. Aspirin/NANSAIDs use was strongly and consistently associated with an increased risk of colonic diverticular bleeding. Further studies are needed to stratify individuals at risk of diverticular bleeding associated with the use of these agents.

New physiopathological and therapeutic approaches to diverticular disease: an update

INTRODUCTION

Diverticular disease (DD) of the colon is a widespread disease, which shows worldwide increasing incidence and represents a significant burden for National Health Systems. The current guidelines claim that symptomatic uncomplicated DD (SUDD) has to be treated with spasmolithics and high-fiber diet, whereas both uncomplicated and complicated acute diverticulitis has to be treated with antibiotics. However, new physiopathological knowledge suggests that further treatment may be promising.

AREAS COVERED

Pathogenetic and treatment studies on SUDD and acute diverticulitis published in PubMed, www.clinicaltrials.gov , and in the main International Congress were reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Although absorbable antibiotics and 5-aminosalycilic acid seem to be effective in treating SUDD, their role in preventing diverticulitis recurrence is still under debate. Antibiotic use in managing acute diverticulitis is at least questionable, and use of probiotics seems to be promising but need further robust studies to confirm the preliminary results.

Pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis: Analysis of 2877 barium enemas in Thailand

AIM: To determine the pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis in Thai adults.

METHODS: A review of the computerized radiology database for double contrast barium enema (DCBE) in Thai adults was performed at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Incomplete studies and DCBE examinations performed in non-Thai individuals were excluded. The pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis detected during DCBE studies from June 2009 to October 2011 were determined. The occurrence of solitary cecal diverticulum, rectal diverticulum and giant diverticulum were reported. Factors influencing the presence of colonic diverticulosis were evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 2877 suitable DCBE examinations were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of patients was 59.8 ± 14.7 years. Of these patients, 1778 (61.8%) were female and 700 (24.3%) were asymptomatic. Colonic diverticulosis was identified in 820 patients (28.5%). Right-sided diverticulosis (641 cases; 22.3%) was more frequently reported than left-sided diverticulosis (383 cases; 13.3%). Pancolonic diverticulosis was found in 98 cases (3.4%). The occurrence of solitary cecal diverticulum, rectal diverticulum and giant diverticulum were 1.5% (42 cases), 0.4% (12 cases), and 0.03% (1 case), respectively. There was no significant difference in the overall occurrence of colonic diverticulosis between male and female patients (28.3% vs 28.6%, P = 0.85). DCBE examinations performed in patients with some gastrointestinal symptoms revealed the frequent occurrence of colonic diverticulosis compared with those performed in asymptomatic individuals (29.5% vs 25.3%, P = 0.03). Change in bowel habit was strongly associated with the presence of diverticulosis (a relative risk of 1.39; P = 0.005). The presence of diverticulosis was not correlated with age in symptomatic patients or asymptomatic individuals (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Colonic diverticulosis was identified in 28.5% of DCBE examinations in Thai adults. There was no association between the presence of diverticulosis and gender or age.

Prevalence and clinical features of colonic diverticulosis in a Middle Eastern population

AIM: To determine the prevalence, location, associations and clinical features of colonic-diverticulosis and its role as a cause of lower-gastroenterology-bleeding.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3649 consecutive patients who underwent a colonoscopy for all indications between 2007 and 2011 at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The demographic data were collected retrospectively through the hospital’s information system, electronic file system, endoscopic e-reports, and manual review of the files by two research assistants. The demographic information included the age, sex, comorbidities and indication for the colonoscopy. The association among colonic polyps, comorbidities and diverticular disease was also measured.

RESULTS: A total of 270 patients out of 3649 were diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis, with a prevalence of 7.4%. The mean age was 60.82 years ± 0.833, (range 12-110). Females comprised 38.89% (95%CI: 33-44.7) of the study population. The major symptoms were rectal bleeding in 33.6%, abdominal pain in 19.3%, constipation in 12.8% and anemia in 6%. Diverticula were predominantly left-sided (sigmoid and descending colon) in 62%, right-sided in 13% and in multiple locations in 25%. There was an association between the presence of diverticulosis and adenomatous polyps (P-value < 0.001), hypertension (P-value < 0.0001) and diabetes mellitus (P-value < 0.0016). Diverticular disease was the second most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, in 33.6% (95%CI: 27.7-39.4), after internal hemorrhoids, in 44.6% (95%CI: 40.3-48.9). On multivariable logistic regression, hypertension (OR = 2.30; 95%CI: 1.29-4.10), rectal bleeding (OR = 2.57; 95%CI: 1.50-4.38), and per year increment in age (OR = 1.05; 95%CI: 1.03-1.07) were associated with diverticulosis but not with bleeding diverticular disease. Limitations: A small proportion of the patients included had colonoscopies performed as a screening test.

CONCLUSION: Colonic-diverticulosis was found to have a low prevalence, be predominantly left-sided and associated with adenomatous-polyps. Age, hypertension and rectal bleeding predict the presence of diverticular disease.

Colonic diverticulitis in young Asians: a predominantly mild and right-sided disease

BACKGROUND

The management of diverticulitis in young Asian patients remains challenging. This study aimed to highlight the issues of managing diverticulitis in young Asians.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who were admitted for acute colonic diverticulitis from October 2003 to December 2008 was performed. Patients who were ≤50 year old were considered 'young' and formed the study group.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 142 patients. The majority (n = 126, 88.7%) had right-sided diverticulitis and most (n = 117, 82.4%) were mild in severity. Most of the patients who underwent emergency surgery were for suspected appendicitis (39/56, 69.6%). When we compared between those aged ≤50 and >50 years, the older group had worse diverticulitis (odds ratio (OR), 4.90, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.00-11.99), been operated for indications other than suspected appendicitis (OR, 13.08, 95% CI, 5.42-31.56) and undergone a colectomy (OR, 9.96, 95% CI, 4.12-24.10). The younger group had a much higher incidence of right-sided disease (OR: 7.80, 95% CI: 4.32-14.07). Over a median follow-up of 40 (6-90) months, 7 (4.9%) patients were readmitted for a total of eight times for recurrent attacks of diverticulitis and all were successfully treated conservatively. Five other patients underwent elective surgery for persistent symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Diverticulitis in young Asians is often right-sided and mild in severity. A significant proportion is only diagnosed when operated for presumed appendicitis. Recurrent attacks are uncommon and can often be treated non-surgically.

Demographic determinants of risk, colon distribution and density scores of diverticular disease

AIM: To investigate associations between ethnicity, age and sex and the risk, colon distribution and density scores of diverticular disease (DD).

METHODS: Barium enemas were examined in 1000 patients: 410 male, 590 female; 760 whites, 62 Asians, 44 black africans (BAs), and 134 other blacks (OBs). Risks and diverticula density of left-sided DD (LSDD) and right-sided-component DD (RSCDD = right-sided DD + right and left DD + Pan-DD) were compared using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-seven patients had DD (322 LSDD and 125 RSCDD). Adjusted risks: (1) LSDD: each year increase in age increased the odds by 6% (95% CI: 5-8, SE: 0.8%, P < 0.001); Asians: odds ratio (OR): 0.23 (95% CI: 0.10-0.53, SE: 0.1, P≤ 0.001) and OBs: OR: 0.25 (95% CI: 0.14-0.43, SE: 0.07, P≤ 0.001) appeared protected vs Whites; (2) RSCDD: each year increase in age increased the odds by 4% (95% CI: 2-6, SE: 1%, P < 0.001); females were 0.60 times (95% CI: 0.40-0.90, SE: 0.12, P = 0.01) less likely than males to have RSCDD; BAs were 3.51 times (95% CI: 1.70-7.24, SE: 1.30, P < 0.001) more likely than Whites to have RSCDD; and (3) DD density scores: each year increase in age increased the odds of high-density scores by 4% (95% CI: 1-6, SE: 1%, P < 0.001); RSCDD was 2.77 times (95% CI: 1.39-3.32, SE: 0.67, P < 0.001) more likely to be of high density than LSDD. No further significant differences were found in the adjusted models.

CONCLUSION: Right colonic DD might be more common and has higher diverticula density in the west than previously reported. BAs appear predisposed to DD, whereas other ethnic differences appear conserved following migration.