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Acute diverticulitis is a common general surgical condition associated with significant costs and healthcare burden. It is unknown if rurality represents a barrier to healthcare and whether ethnic disparities exist in Northland, New Zealand. This study, therefore, aims to assess the impact of rurality and ethnicity on complexity, management, and outcomes in patients with acute diverticulitis.A retrospective observational study of all adults aged18 years admitted with acute diverticulitis to any Northland District Health Board hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 was performed. Diverticulitis complexity was assessed using the modified Hinchey classification. The primary outcome was the effect of rurality and ethnicity on complexity of diverticulitis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed.A total of 397 patients (mean age 60.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.8); 48.7% female) were included. Overall, 134 patients had complicated diverticulitis. Rurality nor distance from the hospital were not associated with complexity of diverticulitis or clinical outcomes (p 0.05). Maori patients presented younger than non-Maori (mean 51 vs. 63 years, p 0.001) but there was no difference in complications, management, or clinical outcomes (p 0.05). On multivariable analysis, rurality status and Maori ethnicity were not associated with more complicated diverticulitis.This study found that rurality and ethnicity were not significant predictors of the complexity of diverticulitis.

AIM The aim of this work was to compare the results of elective minimally invasive surgery between patients with complicated sigmoid diverticulitis and those with uncomplicated disease. METHOD An institutional review board-approved database was searched for all consecutive patients who underwent elective minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic, hand-assisted and robotic sigmoidectomy, for diverticulitis between 2010 and 2017; they were classified according to the modified Hinchey classification as having complicated (abscess, fistula, stricture, obstruction, bleeding or previous perforation) versus uncomplicated disease. Data recorded included baseline demographics, indications for surgery, operative details and complications. RESULTS Three hundred and twenty-five patients underwent elective sigmoidectomy for complicated (n = 105) and uncomplicated (n = 220) diverticulitis. Surgical indications for complicated disease were abscess (n = 74), stricture (n = 14), fistula (n = 28) and bleeding (n = 7). The two groups were statistically comparable for age, gender, body mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Patients with complicated disease had higher rates of concomitant loop ileostomy creation (9.5% vs. 0.9%, p

The difference in outcome between right (RCD) and left colonic diverticulitis (LCD) is not well established. The aim of this study was to analyse the presentation and surgical outcome of RCD versus left-sided disease following emergency surgery.We conducted a retrospective review of patients presenting with acute diverticulitis over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014 to a tertiary unit. Patient demographics, Hinchey classification, need for emergency surgery, perioperative outcome and recurrence were evaluated.In total 360 patients presented with acute diverticulitis, 218 (61%) were right-sided and 142 (39%) were left-sided. The mean age (57 yrs vs 68 yrs) and median length of stay (4 days vs 5 days) were significantly less in RCD (p 0.001). The need for emergency surgery was similar between RCD and LCD (30.7% vs 23.2%, p = 0.12). Sixty-seven (31%) patients with RCD required emergency surgery, 42 (62.7%) of these were based on a presumptive diagnosis of appendicitis and underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy only. Operative morbidity (10.4% vs 51.5%, p 0.001) and mortality were significantly higher in LCD (1.5% v 15.2%, p = 0.007). Subgroup analysis of non-appendicectomy, RCD patients, showed LCD were more likely to require surgery (11.5% vs 23.2%, p = 0.003). There was no difference in recurrence (p = 0.6).Right colonic diverticulitis patients are younger and disease course is more benign compared to LCD. Presentation can be confused with appendicitis without proper imaging. In the rare cases where emergency surgery is required, RCD is associated with a lower operative morbidity and mortality compared to left-sided disease.

Acute ileo-jejunal diverticulitis (AIJD) is a very uncommon entity with an unknown real prevalence. It usually presents non-specific symptomatology. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment due to the scarcity of studies on the subject. This study aimed to assess the clinical manifestations and short-term outcomes after conservative or surgical treatment for AIJD. A retrospective analytical study was conducted. A search for all patients diagnosed with AIJD in the period between 2009 and 2019 was performed in our center. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected. This study aimed to assess the differences between patients who received surgical treatment and those who received conservative treatment. We identified 24 patients with acute ileo-jejunal diverticulitis. A lower rate of surgical treatment was observed in patients with a higher age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.038). There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data according to conservative or invasive management, except in patients in whom an enterolith was identified in computed tomography. All those patients underwent surgical treatment (p = 0.027). A higher rate of conservative treatment failure was found at higher stages (Ib, II, and III) of the modified Hinchey classification. Mortality within 30 days of surgery was 12%. AIJD is an uncommon entity with significant mortality rates. In the presence of enteroliths, peri-intestinal or pelvic abscess, and generalized peritonitis, surgical treatment was mandatory. Conservative treatment may be an option in non-severe cases.

Purpose The management of perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis is still controversial and no preferred standardized therapeutic approach has been determined. We compared surgical outcomes between Hartmann’s procedure (HP) and primary anastomosis (PA) in patients with Hinchey III and IV perforated diverticulitis. Methods Multicenter retrospective analysis of 131 consecutive patients with Hinchey III and IV diverticulitis operated either with HP or PA from 2015 to 2018. Postoperative morbidity was compared after adjustment for known risk factors in a multivariate logistic regression. Results Sixty-six patients underwent HP, while PA was carried out in 65 patients, 35.8% of those were defunctioned. HP was more performed in older patients (74.6 vs. 61.2 years, p p p p p = .002 and 10.6% vs. 0%, p = .007, respectively) with lower stoma reversal rate (43.9% vs. 86.9%, p p = .044). Conclusions In comparison to PA, HP is associated with a higher morbidity, higher mortality, and a lower stoma reversal rate. Although a higher prevalence of risk factors in HP patients may explain these outcomes, a significant increase in morbidity and mortality persisted in a multivariate logistic regression analysis that was stratified for the identified risk factors.

Background There are currently no guidelines on the management of right colon diverticulitis. Treatment options have been extrapolated from the management of left-sided diverticulitis. Gaining knowledge of the risk and morbidity of diverticulitis recurrence is integral to weighing the benefit of elective surgery for right-sided diverticulitis. Objective The purpose of this study was to summarize the recurrence rate and the morbidity of recurrence of Hinchey classification I/II, right-sided diverticulitis following nonoperative management. Data sources PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Collected Reviews were searched up to June 2019. Study selection Observational cohort studies evaluating outcomes following nonoperative management were reviewed. No randomized controlled trials were available. Interventions Intravenous antibiotics with or without percutaneous drainage of associated abscess were administered. Main outcome measures The primary outcomes measured were the recurrence rate and morbidity associated with recurrence. Two independent investigators extracted data. The rates of recurrence were pooled by using a random-effects model. Results There were 1584 adult participants from a total of 11 studies (9 retrospective cohort and 2 prospective cohort studies) included in the analysis. Over a median follow-up period of 34.2 months, the pooled recurrence rate was 12% (95% CI, 10%-15%). Twenty of 202 patients (9.9%) required urgent surgery at the time of first recurrence. There was no mortality. Subset analysis excluding 3 studies that included percutaneous drainage as a nonoperative treatment option did not change the recurrence rate (12% (95% CI, 9%-15%)) or heterogeneity. Funnel plot assessment revealed no publication bias. Limitations There were no randomized controlled trials available. The statistical heterogeneity was moderate (I = 46%). Conclusions Nonoperative management of Hinchey I/II right-sided diverticulitis is safe and feasible. The recurrence rate is relatively low, and complications that require urgent operation are uncommon. Prospero CRD42019131673.

Background The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) developed a severity scale for surgical conditions, including diverticulitis. The Hinchey classification requires operative intervention yet remains the established scoring system for acute diverticulitis. This is a pilot study to compare the AAST grading scale for acute colonic diverticulitis with the traditional Hinchey classification. We hypothesize that the AAST classification scale is equivalent to the Hinchey in predicting outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study at an academic medical center. A consecutive sample of patients with acute diverticulitis and computed tomography imaging was reviewed. Chart review identified demographic and physiologic data with interventional and clinical outcomes. Each computed tomography scan was assigned AAST and modified Hinchey classification scores by a radiologist. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis compared six outcomes: need for procedure, complication, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay, 30-day readmission, and mortality. Results One hundred twenty-nine patients were included. Of the total patients, 42.6% required procedural intervention, 21.7% required ICU admission, 18.6% were readmitted, and 6.2% died. Both AAST and Hinchey predicted the need for operation (AAST odds ratios, 1.55, 12.7, 18.09, and 77.24 for stages 2-5; Hinchey odds ratios, 8.85, 11.49, and 22.9 for stages 1b-3, stage 4 predicted perfectly). The need for operation c-statistics (area under the curve) for AAST and Hinchey was 0.80 and 0.83 for Hinchey and AAST, respectively (p = 0.35). The complication c-statistics curve for AAST and Hinchey was 0.83 and 0.80, respectively (p = 0.33). The AAST and Hinchey scores were less predictive for ICU admission, readmission, and mortality with c-statistics of less than 0.80. Conclusion The AAST grading of acute diverticulitis is equivalent to the modified Hinchey classification in predicting procedural intervention and complications. The AAST system may be preferable to Hinchey because it can be applied preoperatively. Although this pilot study demonstrated that the AAST score predicts surgical need, a larger study is required to evaluate the AAST score for other outcomes. Level of evidence Prognostic and epidemiological study, level III.

Introduction Diverticular perforation due to foreign body ingestion is an uncommon but important cause of gastrointestinal tract injury. The aim of this study is to discuss relevant findings seen in diverticulitis caused by foreign bodies and its treatment. Case presentation In this report, we present a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with two days of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Computed tomography of the patient's abdomen and pelvis revealed micro-perforations of the sigmoid colon with pneumoperitoneum and an intraluminal foreign body. She subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy with sigmoid resection and end-to-end anastomosis due to acute diverticulitis complicated by feculent peritonitis. Gross examination of the excised specimen revealed two large perforations and an intraluminal chicken bone. After a six-day hospitalization, the patient was discharged with an excellent prognosis. Discussion and conclusion Prompt radiological evaluation and classification of the degree of diverticulitis using the Hinchey classification system in this patient helped guide definitive treatment. Usage of this classification scheme in foreign body diverticulitis is valuable in determining whether a surgical or non-surgical approach is necessary., Highlights • Foreign bodies, such as chicken bones, are known causes of diverticular perforation. • Computed tomography is the best test in locating foreign bodies and complications. • The Hinchey classification informs necessity of surgical or non-surgical treatment.

The optimum biochemical or hematological marker to determine diagnosis and severity of acute diverticulitis has not been established. We aimed to compare the utility of hematological parameters in the diagnosis and severity of acute diverticulitis.Sixty-nine patients in diverticular disease (acute diverticulitis and diverticulosis subgroups) and 36 patients in control group were included in the study. The biochemical analysis performed at the time of diagnosis included white blood cell, mean platelet volume, neutrophil count, platelet count (PLT), C-reactive protein, and calculation of neutrophil count/lymphocyte and PLT/lymphocyte ratios. Patients in the diverticulitis group were divided into four stages according to the Hinchey classification based on abdominal CT findings.The mean platelet-lymphocyte ratio in the diverticulitis and diverticulosis groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (p0.05). The best sensitivity and specificity values to distinguish acute diverticulitis and diverticulosis were 63.64% and 72.22% for the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at a cutoff value of 2.78 and above and 30.30% and 86.11% for the platelet-lymphocyte ratio at a cutoff value of 87.46 and above. The diagnostic accuracy rates to distinguish between the diverticulitis and the control groups that the best sensitivity and specificity values were found to be NLR at a cutoff value of 11.55 and above and 100% and 100% for the platelet-lymphocyte ratio at a cutoff value of 12.28 and above. The NLR values were significantly lower in patients with Hinchey Stage 1 disease than those in patients with Stages 2 and 3 disease (respectively, p=0.003 and p=0.006).NLR and platelet-lymphocyte ratio can serve as useful biomarkers for the differential diagnosis and severity in acute diverticulitis.

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are the most common non-cancerous pathology of the colon. It has traditionally been considered a disease of the elderly and associated with cultural and dietary habits. There has been a growing evolution in our understanding and the treatment guidelines for this disease. To provide an updated review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification and highlight changes in the medical and surgical management of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is increasingly being seen in young patients (< 50 years). Genetic contributions to diverticulitis may be larger than previously thought. Potential similarities and overlap with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome exist. Computed tomography imaging represents the standard to classify the severity of diverticulitis. Modifications to the traditional Hinchey classification might serve to better delineate mild and intermediate forms as well as better classify chronic presentations of diverticulitis. Non-operative management is primarily based on antibiotics and supportive measures, but antibiotics may be omitted in mild cases. Interval colonoscopy remains advisable after an acute attack, particularly after a complicated form. Acute surgery is needed for the most severe as well as refractory cases, whereas elective resections are individualized and should be considered for chronic, smoldering, or recurrent forms and respective complications (stricture, fistula, etc.) and for patients with factors highly predictive of recurrent attacks. Diverticulitis is no longer a disease of the elderly. Our evolving understanding of diverticulitis as a clinical entity has led into a more nuanced approach in both the medical and surgical management of this common disease. Non-surgical management remains the appropriate treatment for greater than 70% of patients. In individuals with non-relenting, persistent, or recurrent symptoms and those with complicated disease and sequelae, a segmental colectomy remains the most effective surgical treatment in the acute, chronic, or elective-prophylactic setting.

Objectives: Diverticular disease of the colon is a pathology that arises from outward ballooning of the mucosa due to some weakness in the muscle layer. Diverticular disease may range from symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease to symptomatic disease with complications, such as acute diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding. Acute colonic diverticulitis occurs in about 10- 25% of patients. Methods: In this study, 134 patients who were admitted to our emergency clinic with complaints of abdominal pain between 2016-2019 and hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis were included. Patients’ sex, age, presence of additional disease, increase in leukocyte and C-reactive protein (CRP), localization of diverticulitis, Hinchey classification, mean length of hospital stay and treatment were evaluated. The effects of these parameters on complications and recurrence were statistically analyzed. Results: The length of hospital stay was statistically significantly associated positively with the Hinchey classification (p

Colonic diverticular disease, especially diverticulitis constitutes a major cause of hospitalization and an economic burden in developed countries. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the commonest drugs used to treat several diseases affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. A few studies have reported that the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors PPIs caused dysbiosis. In this study, we searched for a relationship between PPI use and the onset and severity of diverticulitis in patients with colonic diverticulosis. In a retrospective study, patients who were hospitalized for documented diverticulitis were enrolled as cases and compared with a control group of patients with uncomplicated diverticulosis. Overall, 613 patients who had a diagnosis of diverticulosis were included in the study, 217 of whom had diverticulitis. After multivariate analysis, the non-modifiable risk factors associated with diverticulitis included: age (p &lt, 0.0001), hypertension (p &lt, 0.0001), chronic renal failure (p = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (p &lt, 0.0001), and left colon location (p = 0.02). However, among the modifiable factors, only PPI use (p &lt, 0.0001) showed a significant association. Advanced disease severity (according to Hinchey classification of diverticulitis stages II&ndash, IV) was associated with aspirin use (p = 0.0004) and pan-colonic location (p = 0.02). PPI use was the only modifiable factor significantly associated with diverticulitis, but not with its severity, among patients with diverticulosis. This observation should be confirmed in future multicenter prospective studies.

Computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast is the gold standard for diagnosing diverticulitis. Published results concerning follow-up colonoscopy after an episode of acute diverticulitis to rule out cancer are conflicting. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of underlying colonic malignancy in patients diagnosed with a first time diverticulitis with a state of the art CT investigation with intravenous contrast. Retrospective analysis of all patients with a first episode of diverticulitis diagnosed with CT at Danderyds Hospital, Stockholm, between January 1, 2015, and November 16, 2016. Data on modified Hinchey classification, age, sex, laboratory parameters, body mass index, and colonoscopy findings were recorded. The study identified 518 patients with a CT-verified first time diverticulitis. Four hundred twenty-six (82%) of the 518 patients underwent follow-up colonoscopy and constitute our study cohort. CT showed that 402 patients had uncomplicated diverticulitis (modified Hinchey Ia), and 24 patients had complicated diverticulitis (modified Hinchey ≥Ib). Colonoscopy showed cancers in 2 (0.5%) of the 426 patients initially diagnosed as acute diverticulitis. In addition, 13 (3%) patients had advanced adenomas, and 121 (28%) patients had benign adenomas upon follow-up colonoscopy. Patients with CT-verified complicated diverticulitis (modified Hinchey ≥Ib) had a significantly higher risk for colon cancer compared with patients with an uncomplicated first time diverticulitis. Our study supports routine follow-up colonoscopy after a first episode of CT-diagnosed complicated diverticulitis. In contrast, we do not find an increased risk for neoplasia in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis.

Background: Right colonic diverticulitis (RCD) is more common in Asian countries than in Western countries, and the risk factors for recurrence of RCD are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors for recurrence of RCD. Methods: We analyzed 296 patients admitted for treatment of RCD in the Gachon University Gil Medical Center from December 2001 to October 2014. Gender, age, BMI, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, smoking, Hinchey classification, and hospital stay were investigated as risk factors for recurrence. Results: Of the 296 patients with RCD, 31 patients recurred after conservative treatment. The median time interval between the initial episode and recurrence of diverticulitis was 10.4 months. In the univariate analysis, a high recurrence rate was observed in patients with a history of alcohol consumption, smoking, and long hospital stay. In the multivariate analysis, the recurrence rate was much higher (p < 0.001) in patients who stayed in the hospital for more than 10 days after the first attack. Smoking also elevated the recurrence rate (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Factors associated with recurrence of RCD may include smoking and the long hospital stay due to complexity when first diverticulitis occurs. Further prospective large-scale studies are needed to draw a definite conclusion.

PURPOSE: To assess whether CT findings, clinical parameters, and modified Hinchey classification are predictive of management outcomes of patients with acute diverticulitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were accrued between January 2014 and December 2015. A total of 301 adult subjects were identified from radiology reports, of which six who did not met the inclusion criteria were excluded, thus yielding 295 subjects. Subjects were 43.1% (n = 127) male and 56.9% female (n = 168), with mean age 51.9 years (range 18–90). Two independent abdominal radiologists reviewed all scans; imaging features and a modified Hinchey classification were scored. Descriptive statistics compared the relationships between imaging findings, clinical parameters obtained from medical record review, and modified Hinchey classification with management outcomes. RESULTS: CT findings associated with surgical management include the presence of a pericolonic fluid collection (36.8% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.0001), colonic fistula (13.2% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.0002), extraluminal air (26.4% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.0052), bowel obstruction (5.2% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.0162), and a modified Hinchey score of Ib or higher (55.3% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.0001). Slightly lower systolic blood pressure was also associated with operative management (137.2 mmHg vs. 128.2 mmHg, P = 0.0220). CONCLUSION: Specific CT imaging features and modified Hinchey classification are associated with subsequent surgical management in patients with acute diverticulitis.

Diverticular disease of the colon occurs quite frequently in developed countries, and its prevalence has recently increased in Japan. The appearance of diverticulosis increases with age, although mostly remaining asymptomatic. Approximately 20% of cases require treatment. As the Western lifestyle and number of elderly people increase, the need for medical treatment also increases. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing diverticulitis. Complicated diverticulitis is classified by the size and range of abscess formation and the severity of the peritonitis. Each case should be classified based on clinical and computed tomography (CT) findings and then treated appropriately. Most patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis (stages 0–Ia) can be treated conservatively. Diverticulitis with a localized abscess (stages Ib–II) is generally resolved with conservative treatment. If the abscess is larger or conservative treatment fails, however, percutaneous drainage or surgery should be considered. Operative treatment is considered standard therapy for severe diverticulitis with perforation and generalized peritonitis (stages III–IV). Colonic diverticulitis treated conservatively frequently recurs. Elective surgery after recovery should be considered carefully and decisions made on a case‐by‐case basis. Because cases of colonic diverticulitis will undoubtedly increase in Japan, it is likely that we will be confronted with increasing numbers of treatment decisions. We therefore need to have a systematic strategy for treating the various stages of colonic diverticulitis appropriately. We herein review the management of complicated diverticulitis.

A case of colouterine fistula caused by colonic diverticulitis that was successfully treated laparoscopically is presented. A 74-year-old woman visited us with lower abdominal discomfort and vaginal excretion with minor fecal contamination. Mild tenderness was observed in her lower abdomen. Blood examinations revealed elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein. Sigmoid colon diverticulitis was revealed on CT, and her condition was diagnosed as colouterine fistula. Hinchey classification was stage I. After 2 weeks of conservative therapy, her symptoms were reduced, and the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level decreased. However, fecal contaminated vaginal excretion continued. The patient underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy combined with uterus excision, and she has been in good health for the 3 years since the operation. Although colouterine fistula is usually treated with open surgery, patients with controlled and well-localized inflammation may be good candidates for a laparoscopic approach.

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. 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. 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). 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.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates current evidence on the therapeutic role of laparoscopic lavage in the management of diverticular peritonitis. A systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed until June 2016, according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. All randomised controlled trials comparing laparoscopic lavage with surgical resection, irrespective of anastomosis or stoma formation, were analysed. After assessment of titles and full text, 3 randomised trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall the quality of evidence was low because of serious concerns regarding the risk of bias and imprecision. In the laparoscopic lavage group, there was a statistically significant higher rate of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (RR 2.54, 95% CI 1.34-4.83), a lower rate of postoperative wound infection (RR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.51), and a shorter length of postoperative hospital stay during index admission (WMD = -2.03, 95% CI -2.59 to -1.47). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of postoperative mortality at index admission or within 30 days from intervention in all Hinchey stages and in Hinchey stage III, postoperative mortality at 12 months, surgical reintervention at index admission or within 30-90 days from index intervention, stoma rate at 12 months, or adverse events within 90 days of any Clavien-Dindo grade. The surgical reintervention rate at 12 months from index intervention was significantly lower in the laparoscopic lavage group (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.86), but these data included emergency reintervention and planned intervention (stoma reversal). This systematic review and meta-analysis did not demonstrate any significant difference between laparoscopic peritoneal lavage and traditional surgical resection in patients with peritonitis from perforated diverticular disease, in terms of postoperative mortality and early reoperation rate. Laparoscopic lavage was associated with a lower rate of stoma formation. However, the finding of a significantly higher rate of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess in patients who underwent laparoscopic lavage compared to those who underwent surgical resection is of concern. Since the aim of surgery in patients with peritonitis is to treat the sepsis, if one technique is associated with more postoperative abscesses, then the technique is ineffective. Even so, laparoscopic lavage does not appear fundamentally inferior to traditional surgical resection and this technique may achieve reasonable outcomes with minimal invasiveness.

Background and Aim. Rapid identification of patients with complications related to acute diverticulitis who require urgent intervention in the emergency department (ED) is essential. The aim of our study was to determine the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting severity of diverticulitis as assessed by Hinchey classification.Patients and Methods. We performed a single retrospective study in EMMS Nazareth Hospital from 4/2014 to 4/2018. Patients were categorized into two groups: group A with mild to moderate complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey 1-2) and group B with severe complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey 3-4).Results. Two hundred twenty-five patients were included. Two hundred seven patients were in group A, and 18 patients were in group B. On univariate analysis, age, NLR, and PLR correlated with advanced Hinchey classification and disease severity (stages 3-4) (OR 1.038, 95% CI 1.001–1.076,P=0.0416; OR 1.192, 95% CI 1.093–1.300,P<0.0001; and OR 1.011, 95% CI 1.005–1.017,P=0.0005, respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the NLR and PLR remain significantly correlated with Hinchey 3-4 (OR 1.174, 95% CI 1.071–1.286,P=0.0006, and OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.015,P=0.0209, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) for the NLR and PLR on univariate analysis was 0.7526 and 0.6748, respectively, and 0.7760 and 0.7391 on multivariate logistic regression analysis, respectively, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn.Conclusion. The NLR and PLR independently associated with diverticulitis severity and positively correlated with advanced Hinchey classification. This simple available laboratory tool can be implemented into clinical practice to optimize patient management.

Purpose Conservative treatment is the first-line therapy for acute colonic diverticulitis without severe complications, but treatment failure may increase hospitalization duration, medical costs, and morbidities. Usage of the modified Hinchey classification is insufficient to predict the outcome of conservative management. We aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of the modified Hinchey classification and to evaluate predictive factors such as inflammatory markers for the failure of conservative management. Methods Patients diagnosed with right colonic diverticulitis undergoing conservative treatment at 3 hospitals between 2017 and 2019 were included. Patients were categorized into conservative treatment success (n = 494) or failure (n = 46) groups. Clinical characteristics and blood inflammatory markers were assessed. Results The conservative treatment failure group presented with more elderly patients (>50 years, P = 0.002), more recurrent episodes (P < 0.001), a higher lymphocyte count (P = 0.021), higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P = 0.044), and higher modified Glasgow prognostic scores (P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis revealed that age of >50 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–5.08; P = 0.008), recurrent episodes (OR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.38–9.61; P < 0.001), and higher CRP levels (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12; P = 0.001) were predictive factors for conservative treatment failure, but not the modified Hinchey grade (P = 0.159). Conclusion Age of >50 years, recurrent episodes, and CRP levels are potential predictors for conservative management failure of patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis. Further studies are warranted to identify candidates requiring early surgical intervention.

Aim: This study assessed the results of conservative and surgical treatment of right colon diverticulitis. Right colon diverticula contain all layers of the colon and are called true diverticula. Perforation of these diverticula is observed less frequently due to their full thickness.Materials and Methods: 150 patients treated for colonic diverticulitis between 2015-2020 were retrospectively screened. Following exclusions, a total of 26 patients data were assessed. The patients were divided into two groups as conservative or surgical treatment. The outcomes for these two groups were compared and analyzed.Results: Most patients in the sample were female (n=18, 69%). The average age was 47 (22-83). Data from the conservative treatment group (n=17, 65%) and the surgical treatment group (n=9, 35%) were examined. Comorbidity, recurrence, and white blood cell count were all greater following conservative treatment (p> 0.05). In the surgical group, two (22% of the group) patients developed wound infections. Patients with fever at admission were in the surgical group (p 0.01). All patients in the conservative group had a Hinchey classification of 1a, while those in the surgical group were Hinchey 1a, 1b, and 3 (p 0.05). The median hospital stay was higher for the surgical group (p 0.05). No mortality was observed.Conclusion: Right colon diverticulitis has low complications and it can be treated conservatively. The differential diagnosis of rightsided colonic diverticulitis should be kept in mind when relevant symptoms present to prevent unnecessary surgeries. Surgical treatment is inevitable in instances of recurrent diverticulitis, generalized peritonitis, and suspected malignancy.

Currently, the most commonly used classification of acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) is the modified Hinchey classification, which corresponds to a slightly more complex classification by comparison with the original description. This modified classification allows to categorize patients with ACD into four major categories (I, II, III, IV) and two additional subcategories (Ia and Ib), depending on the severity of the disease. Several studies have clearly demonstrated the impact of this classification for determining the best therapeutic approach and predicting perioperative complications for patients who need surgery. This review provides an update on the classification of ACD along with a special emphasis on the corresponding MDCT features of the different categories and subcategories. This modified Hinchey classification should be known by emergency physicians, radiologists, and surgeons in order to improve patient care and management because each category has a specific therapeutic approach.

It is unclear if location of disease matters in perforated diverticulitis. Management guidelines for perforated diverticulitis currently do not make a distinction between right perforated diverticulitis (RPD) and left perforated diverticulitis (LPD). We aim to compare disease presentation and management outcomes between RPD and LPD. This was a 10-year retrospective comparative cohort study of 99 patients with acute perforated diverticulitis between 2004 and 2013 in a single institution. Patients were divided into RPD and LPD groups based on location of disease and compared. Disease presentation was compared using modified Hinchey classification. Management outcomes assessed were failure of therapy, length of stay, mortality, surgical complications, and disease recurrence. Univariate analysis was performed using Student’s t test and χ2 test where appropriate. RPD patients were younger (45.7 ± 16.1 versus 58.3 ± 14.7 years) and presented with lower modified Hinchey stage and no Hinchey IV diverticulitis when compared to LPD (14.3% Hinchey III versus 44.0% Hinchey III or IV). Conservative management of Hinchey I and II RPD and LPD was similarly successful (96.1 versus 96.5%), although RPD patients had shorter inpatient stay (4.6 ± 2.2 versus 6.3 ± 3.8 days) and less disease recurrence (3.1 versus 17.9%). Ten (20.4%) Hinchey I and II RPD patients were initially misdiagnosed with appendicitis and underwent surgery. LPD is a more aggressive disease presenting with greater clinical severity in older patients and is associated with frequent disease recurrence when treated conservatively. Misdiagnosis of RPD as appendicitis is common and may lead to unnecessary surgery.

It is controversial whether patients fare better with conservative or surgical treatment in certain stages of acute diverticulitis (AD), in particular when phlegmonous inflammation or covered micro- or macro-perforation are present. The aim of this study was to determine long-term quality of life (QoL) for AD patients who received either surgery or conservative treatment in different stages. We included patients treated for AD at the University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany, between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010. Patients were classified by the Hansen and Stock (HS) classification, the modified Hinchey classification, and the German classification of diverticular disease (CDD). Pre-therapeutic staging was based on multidetector computed tomography. Long-term QoL was assessed by the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) questionnaire, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Data are mean ± SEM. Patients with phlegmonous AD (HS type 2a, Hinchey Ia and CDD 1b, respectively) had a better long-term QoL on the GIQLI when they were operated (78.5 ± 2.5 vs. 70.7 ± 2.1; p

The aim of this study is to investigate the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and of other laboratory parameters obtained during the initial evaluation of the patient in the prediction of the clinical severity of acute diverticulitis. The records of patients treated for acute diverticulitis at the Oulu University Hospital from December 2006 to December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Mild disease was defined when conservative treatment was successful. Severe acute diverticulitis was considered when percutaneous drainage of an abscess and/or surgery was necessary. From the 182 patients considered for analysis, 158 (87%) had mild disease, whereas 24 (13%) had severe. CRP ( P = 0.034) and the Hinchey classification ( P = 0.006) were shown to be independent risk factors for severe acute diverticulitis in the logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a CRP cutoff value of 170 mg/L significantly discriminated severe from mild diverticulitis (87.5% sensitivity, 91.1% specificity, area under the curve 0.942, P < 0.00001). CRP is a useful tool in the prediction of the clinical severity of acute diverticulitis. A mild episode is very likely in patients with CRP less than 170 mg/L. Those with higher CRP values have a greater probability to undergo surgical treatment or at least a percutaneous intervention.

Diet restrictions are usually advised as part of the conservative treatment for the acute phase of a diverticulitis episode. To date, the rationale behind diet restrictions has never been thoroughly studied. This study aims to investigate which factors influence the choice of dietary restriction at presentation. Additionally, the effect of dietary restrictions on hospitalization duration is investigated. All patients hospitalized for Hinchey 0, Ia, or Ib diverticulitis between January 2010 and June 2011 were included. Patients were categorized according to the diet imposed by the treating physician at presentation and included nil per os, clear liquid, liquid diet, and solid foods. The relation between Hinchey classification, C-reactive protein, leucocyte count and temperature at presentation and diet choice was examined. Subsequently, the relation between diet restriction and number of days hospitalized was studied. Of the 256 patients included in the study 65 received nil per os, 89 clear liquid, 75 liquid diet, and 27 solid foods at presentation. Solely high temperature appeared to be related to a more restrictive diet choice at presentation. Patients who received liquid diet (HR 1.66 CI 1.19–2.33) or solid foods (HR 2.39 CI 1.52–3.78) were more likely to be discharged compared to patient who received clear liquid diet (HR 1.26 CI 1.52–3.78) or nils per os (reference group). This relation remained statistically significant after correction for disease severity, treatment and complications. Physicians appeared to prefer a more restrictive diet with increasing temperature at presentation. Notably, dietary restrictions prolong hospital stay.

Large-bowel obstruction and perforation are still frequently occurring entities for the acute care surgeon. In these cases, Hartmann’s procedure is the most commonly used surgical technique. However, recent papers demonstrate that colon resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) in the emergency setting is a safe and feasible procedure. We present our series of left colon resection and primary anastomosis procedures from Torrevieja Hospital (Alicante, Spain), performed without bowel irrigation or a diverting ileostomy. Thirty-two RPA procedures were performed in emergency settings for perforation or obstruction, or both, during an 18-month period. The following data were prospectively collected: age, gender, nationality, diagnoses, ASA score, body mass index (BMI), POSSUM score (Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and morbidity), and the score according to the Hinchey classification. Furthermore, duration of the operation, length of postoperative hospital stay, and mortality and morbidity data were recorded. Sixteen of these patients were diagnosed with acute diverticulitis, 14 patients with neoplasm (of which 9 cases had obstruction, 2 cases had perforation, and 3 cases had both), and foreign body perforation in the remaining 2 cases. The mean hospital stay was 7.8 (range, 4–10) days. The physiological POSSUM score was 24.4 (range, 15–39), and the surgical POSSUM score was 19.8 (range, 16–24). None of the patients died (0% mortality). Seven patients developed some kind of complication (21.9%), all of which were managed conservatively. The results of this study suggest that RPA for left colon obstruction and perforation in emergency settings can be safely performed in certain surgical conditions.

Aim Currently in the UK the standard surgical practice for the management of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis is a Hartmann’s procedure. There have been a number of recent publications on the use of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis, as an alternative to the emergency Hartmann’s procedure, with its associated morbidity and mortality. We aim to review the current literature on this topic. Method A search was made on the electronic database MEDLINE from PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. The keywords ‘diverticulitis’, ‘perforated’ and ‘laparoscopy’ were searched for in the titles and abstracts without language restrictions. Further studies were identified from searches on Google Scholar, as well as manual searches through reference lists of the relevant studies found. All included studies were quality assessed. Results Twelve relevant studies were included. A total of 301 patients were reported, with a mean age of 57 years. All were non-randomized studies. The majority of patients were of Hinchey classification III. All were treated with intravenous antibiotics followed by laparoscopic lavage and insertion of intra-abdominal/pelvic drains. The mean conversion rate was 4.9% and mean length of hospital stay was 9.3 days. The mean complication rate was 18.9% and the overall mortality rate was 0.25%. Subsequent elective resections with primary anastamosis were performed in 51% of patients and the majority were completed laparoscopically. Conclusion Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis appears to be a potentially effective and more conservative alternative to a Hartmann’s procedure. Randomized control trials are needed to better evaluate its role.

Background Treatment of perforated diverticulitis depends on disease severity classified according to Hinchey’s preoperative classification. This study assessed the accuracy of preoperative staging of perforated diverticulitis by computerized tomography (CT) scanning. Methods All patients who presented with perforated diverticulitis between 1999 and 2009 in two teaching hospitals of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and in addition had a preoperative CT scan within 24 h before emergency surgery were included. Two radiologists reviewed all CT scans and were asked to classify the severity of the disease according to the Hinchey classification. The CT classification was compared to Hinchey’s classification at surgery. Results Seventy-five patients were included, 48 of whom (64 %) were classified Hinchey 3 or 4 perforated diverticulitis during surgery. The positive predictive value of preoperative CT scanning for different stages of perforated diverticulitis ranged from 45 to 89 %, and accuracy was between 71 and 92 %. The combination of a large amount of free intra-abdominal air and fluid was strongly associated with Hinchey 3 or 4 and therefore represented a reliable indicator for required surgical treatment. Conclusions The accuracy of predicting Hinchey’s classification by preoperative CT scanning is not very high. Nonetheless, free intra-abdominal air in combination with diffuse fluid is a reliable indication for surgery as it is strongly associated with perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis. In 42 % of cases, Hinchey 3 perforated diverticulitis is falsely classified as Hinchey 1 or 2 by CT scanning.

Diverticular disease of the colon is frequently termed as a "disease of the 20th century." This entity results in a significant health burden for our society, and a recent report by the American Gastroenterology Association showed the burden of diverticular disease is estimated at $2.66 billion annually. Diverticular disease may lead to significant problems once symptomatic, but the majority of people with this condition will see no sequelae (80%). Classification of patients with diverticular disease is done with regard to multiple factors including localization, clinical symptoms, presentation, and pathology. There are 2 classification systems of importance: the clinical classification and the Hinchey classification. Asymptomatic diverticular disease is often documented on screening colonoscopy, and accounts for the majority of patients with diverticular disease. There is no clear role for treatment or follow-up. Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease is often brought to the attention of the clinician because of the nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Patients may complain of left-sided lower abdominal pain without leukocytosis, fever, or peritoneal signs. They may have other complaints often associated with irritable bowel syndrome including bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Diverticular disease may become "complicated" in a small but significant proportion of patients (10% to 25%). Complicated diverticular disease may present with obstruction, bleeding, peritonitis, free perforation, fistula, or abscess formation. Fever and leukocytosis may be seen, but there are few other helpful laboratory tests in this situation. Physical examination may show localized tenderness in the left lower quadrant, and possibly guarding or rebound depending on the severity of disease.

Although the Hinchey scoring system has guided surgical decision making for perforated diverticulitis, what constitutes optimal surgical management is controversial. We report our experience of selective primary closure of the perforation without use of a transverse colostomy and the specific circumstances in which this may be safe.All cases of perforated diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon with Hinchey grade IV (faecal) peritonitis seen over a 4-year period from one surgical unit were reviewed.Primary closure without a diverting stoma was performed in six of the eight patients studied since the bowel was deemed healthy, and resection and primary end-to-end anastomosis were performed in the other two patients because there was associated scarring and stricture formation distally. In the primary closure patients, the site of the perforation was dissected and closed with attendant omentoplasty and a meticulous peritoneal toilet. In one of these cases, a diverting stoma was later fashioned after the patient developed a short-lived faecal fistula.The status of the underlying bowel, not the degree of peritoneal soiling, is the most significant consideration in defining the role of minimally invasive surgical treatment options for perforated diverticulitis. A new classification system that remains to be validated, taking into account the degree of colonic scarring and stricture formation, is proposed as a guide for surgical decision making in patients with perforated left-sided diverticulitis with faecal peritonitis.

Results of this study suggest that laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease is a safe, feasible, and effective management strategy., Background: Surgical treatment of complicated colonic diverticular disease is still debatable. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy in patients with diverticulitis. Patients offered laparoscopic surgery presented with acute complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey type I, II, III), chronically recurrent diverticulitis, bleeding, or sigmoid stenosis caused by chronic diverticulitis. Method: All patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy within a 12-year period were prospectively entered into a database registry. One-stage laparoscopic resection and primary anastomosis constituted the planned procedure. A 4-trocar approach with suprapubic minilaparotomy was performed. Main data recorded were age, sex, postoperative pain, return of bowel function, operation time, duration of hospital stay, and early and late complications. Results: During the study period, 260 sigmoid colectomies were performed for diverticulitis. The cohort included 104 male and 156 female patients; M to F ratio was 4:6. Postoperative pain was controlled by NSAIDs or weak opioid analgesia. Fifteen patients (5.7%) required conversion from laparoscopic to open colectomy. The most common reasons for conversion were directly related to the inflammatory process, abscess, and peritonitis. Mean operative time was 130±54. Average postoperative hospital stay was 10±3 days. A longer hospital stay was recorded for Hinchey type IIb patients. Complications were recorded in 30 patients (11.5%). The most common complications that required reoperation were hemorrhage in 2 patients (0.76) and anastomotic leak in 5 patients (only 3 of them required reoperation). The mortality among them was 2 patients (0.76%). Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease is safe, feasible, and effective. Therefore, laparoscopic colectomy has replaced open resection as standard surgery for recurrent and complicated diverticulitis at our institution.

See Article on Page 52-56 Among the wide spectrum of acute diverticulitis, uncomplicated diverticulitis (UD) is defined as a localized inflammation or phlegmon of colonic diverticula in the absence of complications such as abscess, perforation, fistula, obstruction, and bleeding. Acute diverticulitis calls for a differentiated approach to various stages of the disease process. According to guidelines from a related international academic society, the use of antibiotics, either intravenous or oral, is the nub of management in patients with UD. Recently, evidence has accumulated that the majority of these patients successfully respond to outpatient management or oral antibiotic use [1]. Outpatient management of patients with UD is also less expensive for the health care system. A randomized controlled trial from Sweden found that antibiotic use for the treatment of UD neither accelerated recovery nor prevented complications or recurrence [2]. Scarpa et al. [3] have compared the treatment outcomes for patients with UD for different routes of antibiotic administration. Patients were divided into two groups: one received antibiotics entirely via an intravenous route while the other received antibiotics via an intravenous + oral route. According to the investigators, the use of intravenous antibiotics for less than five days did not increase the recurrence of uncomplicated colonic diverticulitis. This finding indicates that patients might be able to avoid an unnecessary admission. However, as the authors mentioned, regardless of the route, intravenous or intravenous + oral, all patients received antibiotics for the same period. Therefore, huge room for investigations on the use of antibiotics still exists. In 2014, The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons revised its statement about 'Practice parameters for sigmoid diverticulitis' that was previously published in 2007 [4]. The most remarkable difference about UD management between the 2007 and the 2014 versions is the introduction of oral antibiotic use as an initial treatment for clinically-stable patients with UD. That the newly emerging trend for UD management is moving to an outpatient setting is becoming more and more obvious. The key to treatment success depends very much on an accurate diagnosis of the stage of acute diverticulitis. The diagnosis of diverticular disease can be made by using a variety of tests, and the accuracy of imaging studies greatly affects the outcome of treatment for UD. Nowadays, computed tomography (CT) scanning is the most appropriate imaging modality to confirm suspected diverticulitis. However, the accuracy of predicting Hinchey classification by using CT scanning is not very high. Gielens et al. [5] reported in their study that the sensitivity and the specificity of CT scans for Hinchey 1 patients were 76%, and 86%, respectively. Even in 42% of the cases, Hinchey 3 perforated diverticulitis was falsely classified as Hinchey 1 or 2. Therefore, before starting the use of antibiotics, a decision making process should be discreetly and conservatively set up to prevent treatment failure. In future studies, investigators should focus on the area of accurate diagnosis of patients for current treatment options. Overall, we may certainly infer that a lesser aggressive treatment seems to be possible for the management of selected patients with UD. However, a considerable number of open questions still remain: for example, the efficacy of treatment with oral antibiotics only, the adequate duration of antibiotic treatment, the feasibility of not using antibiotics, and the role of probiotics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. Further randomized clinical trials to establish an optimal strategy for treating uncomplicated colonic diverticulitis are encouraged.

Background Diverticular disease is a condition strongly associated with low-fiber intake and obesity. There have been reports of an increasing incidence in younger individuals ranging from 12% to 21% of all cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of complicated diverticular disease in patients less than 49 years and attempt to identify factors predictive of a more virulent course. Methods An analysis of a prospectively updated database of all patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of acute diverticulitis from 2005 to 2013 was performed. Data collected included age, length of stay, inflammatory markers on admission, use of computed tomography (CT), and Hinchey Classification. SPSS version 22 was used for statistical analysis, and a P value of .05 or less was considered significant. Results A total of 120 (54 female and 66 male) patients less than 49 (28 to 49, 42.1) years were noted to have a diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. Twelve patients (10%) required colonic resection for complicated diverticulitis. Histological evaluation revealed 5 cases of stricture, 2 obstruction, and 5 perforations. On multivariate analysis, predictors of operative intervention and/or colonic resection included, (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]) patients aged 40 to 49 years (.92 [.9 to .95]) and elevated C-reactive protein on index admission (1.4 [1.32 to 1.54]). Females were less likely to undergo colonic resection compared with males (1.18 [1.15 to 1.2]). Median length of stay was 4 days (1 to 48) for patients managed nonoperatively and 13 days (5 to 27) for those who underwent surgery. Conclusions Most younger patients with acute diverticulitis can be treated successfully by conservative means. However, a proportion of patients require aggressive surgical management.

The severity of complicated diverticulitis includes a broad spectrum of diseases and is classified according to the Hinchey classification system [1]: Stage I: pericolic abscess, confined to the mesentery of the colon, usually responsive to conservative management, with a radiological drainage in the case of an abscess larger than 5 cm; Stage II: distant abscess amenable to percutaneous drainage (Stage IIa) or complex and multiple abscesses with or without a digestive fistula (Stage IIb); Stage III: diffuse purulent peritonitis; Stage IV: diffuse fecal peritonitis

Objectives Despite evidence demonstrating equivalent accuracy of sonography and computed tomography (CT) in the workup of mild/uncomplicated acute diverticulitis, CT is overwhelmingly performed as the initial diagnostic test, particularly in the acute setting. Our study evaluated potential radiation and turnaround time savings associated with performing sonography instead of CT as the initial diagnostic examination in the workup of suspected uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records from January 2010 to December 2012 for patients presenting with clinical symptoms of acute diverticulitis. Patients were categorized as a whole and subgrouped by age (>40 and 40 years and 121

Acute diverticulitis is a disease with a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from a phlegmon (stage Ia), to localized abscesses (stages Ib and II), to free perforation with purulent (stage III) or feculent peritonitis (stage IV). While there is little debate about the best treatment for mild episodes and/or very severe episodes, uncertainty persists about the optimal management for intermediate stages (Ib and II). The aim of our study was therefore to define the role of computed tomography (CT) and to analyze its impact on the management of acute diverticulitis.We retrospectively analyzed 511 patients (296 males, 215 females) admitted for acute diverticulitis between January 1994 and December 2003. Excluded were patients with stoma reversal only, "diverticulitis" mimicked by cancer, or significantly deficient patient records. Patients were analyzed either as a whole or subgrouped according to age (40 yr,40 yr). A modified Hinchey classification was used to stage the severity of acute diverticulitis.In 99 patients (19.4%), an abscess was found (74 pericolic, 25 pelvic, median diameter: 4.0 cm). CT-guided drainage was performed in 16 patients, one failure requiring a two-stage operation. Whereas conservative treatment failed in 6.8% in patients without abscess or perforation, 22.2% of patients with an abscess required an urgent resection (68.2%, one-stage, 31.8%, two-stage). Recurrence rates were 13% for mild cases, as compared to 41.2% in patients with a pelvic abscess (stage II) treated conservatively with/without CT-guided drainage. Of all surgical cases, resection/primary anastomosis was achieved in 73.6% with perioperative mortality of 1.1% and leak rate was 2.1%.CT evidence of a diverticular abscess has a prognostic impact as it correlates with a high risk of failure from nonoperative management regardless of the patient's age. After treatment of diverticulitis with CT evidence of an abscess, physicians should strongly consider elective surgery in order to prevent recurrent diverticulitis.

Perforation following acute diverticulitis is a typical scenario during the first attack. Different classification systems exist to classify acute perforated diverticulitis. While the Hinchey classification, which is based on intraoperative findings, is internationally best known, the German Hansen-Stock classification which is based on CT scan is widely accepted within Germany. When surgery is necessary, sigmoid colectomy is the standard of care. An important question is whether patients should receive primary anastomosis or a Hartmann procedure subsequently. A priori there are several arguments for both procedures. Hartmann’s operation is extremely safe and, therefore, represents the best option in severely ill patients and/or extensive peritonitis. However, this operation carries a high risk of stoma nonreversal, or, when reversal is attempted, a high risk in terms of morbidity and mortality. In contrast, primary anastomosis with or without loop ileostoma is a slightly more lengthy procedure as normally the splenic flexure needs to be mobilized and construction of the anastomosis may consume more time than the Hartmann operation. The big advantage of primary anastomosis, however, is that there is no need for the potentially risky stoma reversal operation. The most interesting question is when to do the Hartmann operation or primary anastomosis. Several comparative case series were published showing that primary anastomosis is feasible in many patients. However, no randomized trial is available to date. It is of note, that all non-randomized case series are biased, i.e. that patients in better condition received anastomosis and those with severe peritonitis underwent Hartmann’s operation. This bias is undoubtedly likely to be present, even if not obvious, in the published papers! Our own data suggest that this decision should not be based on the extent of peritonitis but rather on patient condition and comorbidity. In conclusion, sigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis is feasible and safe in many patients who need surgery for perforated diverticulitis, particularly when combined with loop ileostomy. Based on our own published analysis, however, we recommend performing Hartmann’s operation in severely ill patients who carry substantial comorbidity, while the extent of peritonitis appears not to be of predominant importance.

Interventional techniques in treatment of complicated diverticulitis gain more and more importance. In particular abscesses and bleeding are treated successfully. In case of diverticular abscess (Hinchey classification stage I and II) percutaneous drainages are placed sonographically or CT guided. Interventional drainage offers the possibility of elective one-stage surgical treatment of diverticulitis with significant reduce of mortality and morbidity rates. Diverticular bleeding is usually diagnosed and treated endoscopically. Only if endoscopy is not able to manage bleeding, angiography or nuclear scan is demanded. In case of stenosis endoscopic treatment has not jet gained clinical relevance.

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic sigmoid resection is a well established procedure for surgical treatment of benign colorectal diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the longterm quality of life of patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection for sigmoid diverticulitis. Differences in health related life quality to the open-conventional approach were evaluated in a matched pair analysis (age, gender, Hinchey-Stage, Type of Surgery) using a validated quality of life instrument. METHODS A total of 45 matched pairs (laparoscopic/open) operated for diverticulitis at stage I-IIa (Hinchey classification) were included in this study. The quality of life was measured with the Short-Form-36-Health Survey (SF-36), a standardized questionnaire with 8 scales and 36 items. The follow-up period was at least 2 years (mean 62.2 months). RESULTS Pair members (n = 45) operated via laparoscopic or open approach for Hinchey I-IIa diverticulitis were of the same sex (21 female/24 male pairs) and age at time of surgery (range: lap.: 53.5-66 years; open: 53.5-67 years). Mean follow-up periods for patients operated laparoscopically and with open procedure were 2 (range: 1-3) and 7 (range: 5-9) years, respectively. The SF-36 scale scores for both groups appeared high and only slightly below a validated norm population. This represents a high quality of life after open as well as laparoscopic surgery for sigmadiverticulitis. No significant differences were apparent between the 45 matched-pairs. Pairs 65 years old or older presented no significantly different score values compared to those younger than 65 years. CONCLUSIONS The long-term follow-up data in this age and sex matched pair analysis showed favorable results after open as well as laparoscopic surgery for sigmadiverticulitis. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two surgical techniques. Self-reports by the patient concerning his or her health condition, recovery and quality of life following any surgical procedure are needed to assess valid outcome data of new surgical treatments including a critical evaluation of all its benefits and burdens.

Introduction.Aim of the present work is to review the literature to point out the role of laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann procedure.Material and Methods.Number of patients, age, sex, etiology, Hinchey classification, interval between procedure and reversal, position of the first trocars, mean operative time (min), number and causes of conversion, length of stay, mortality, complications, and quality of life were considered.Results.238 males (52.4%) and 216 females (47.6%) between 38 and 67 years were analyzed. The etiology was diverticulitis in 292 patients (72.1%), carcinoma in 43 patients (10.6%), and other in 70 patients (17.3%). Only 7 articles (22.6%) reported Hinchey classification. The interval between initial procedure and reversal was between 50 and 330 days. The initial trocar was open positioned in 182 patients (43.2%) through umbilical incision, in 177 patients (41.9%) in right upper quadrant, and in 63 patients (14.9%) in colostomy site. The operative time was between 69 and 285 minutes. A total of 83 patients (12.1%) were converted and the causes were reported in 67.4%. The length of stay was between 3 and 12 days. 5 patients (0.7%) died. The complications concern 112 cases (16.4%).Conclusion.The laparoscopic Hartmann’s reversal is safer and achieves faster positive results.

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the CT and the water-soluble contrast enema (CE) in the diagnosis and the severity of acute left-colonic diverticulitis, and to recognize the impact of CT during the acute phase and after a first acute episode successfully treated medically. From 1986 to 1997, all patients admitted in our emergency center with clinically suspected left-colonic diverticulitis had a CE and a CT within 72 h of their admission, unless clinical findings required immediate laparotomy. They were prospectively included in the study if one or both radiological exams showed signs of acute diverticulitis and/or diverticulitis was surgically removed and histologically proven. Diverticulitis was considered moderate when CT showed localized thickening of the colonic wall (5 mm or more) and inflammation of pericolic fat and CE showed segmental lumen narrowing and tethered mucosa; it was considered severe when abscess and/or extraluminal air and/or contrast were observed on CT and when one or both of the latter signs were seen on CE. Five hundred forty-two patients entered the study; 465 patients (86%) had a CT exam, 439 (81%) had a CE, and 420 (77%) had both exams. The performance of CT is significantly superior to CE in terms of sensitivity (98 vs 92%, p

Background: With the aim of resolving the current controversy over the diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease, this consensus development conference set out to summarize the actual state of the art. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of international experts (n= 16) was selected to take part in the consensus process. Prior to the conference, all experts were asked to answer a series of questions on diverticular disease. The consensus statement compiled out of these evaluations was modified during a joint meeting of the panel members, then presented for discussion in a public session, and finally revised by the expert panel. The finalized statement was mailed to all panel members for approval (Delphi method). Results: Asymptomatic diverticulosis, diverticular disease (with actual or recurrent symptoms), and complicated diverticular disease were defined separately. No agreement was reached on whether barium enema or colonoscopy is the better choice as an initial diagnostic tool in uncomplicated cases. In complicated cases, computed tomography is recommended for diagnosis. After two attacks of diverticular disease, elective resection should be considered. For patients in whom a concomitant carcinoma cannot be excluded and those with chronic complications (fistula, stenosis, or bleeding) surgery is also indicated. Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy is recommended only for uncomplicated and, after percutaneous drainage of abscesses, Hinchey stage I and II cases. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery has already begun to influence the management of diverticular disease, but the randomized controlled trials needed to support therapy decisions are largely missing.

Background: Resection of diverticular disease may be quite challenging; the acute inflammatory process, thick sigmoid mesentery, and any associated fistula or abscess can make this procedure technically demanding. The aim of this study was to compare the results between laparoscopic and laparotomy-type resections stratified by disease severity and thereby predict outcome and possibly a subset of patients who may benefit from a laparoscopic approach. Methods: From August 1991 to December 1995, all patients with diverticular disease were classified according to a modified Hinchey classification system. The laparoscopic group included 18 patients who underwent a laparoscopic assisted colectomy, one with a loop ileostomy. The identical procedures were performed in 18 patients by laparotomy. The mean age of the two groups were 62.8 and 67.1 years, respectively (p= NS). Results: Seven of 18 patients in whom laparoscopy was attempted (38.9%) had conversion to laparotomy. Six of seven (85.7%) conversions were directly related to the intense inflammatory process. Laparoscopic treated patients with Hinchey IIa or IIb disease had a morbidity rate of 33.3% and a conversion rate of 50% while all patients with Hinchey I disease were successfully completed without morbidity or conversions to laparotomy. However, after the first four cases, the intraoperative morbidity and postoperative morbidity rates were zero and 14.3% and after ten cases they were zero and zero, respectively. Furthermore, the median length of hospitalization for Hinchey I patients after laparoscopy was 5.0 days vs 7 days after laparotomy (p < 0.05). In Hinchey IIa and IIb patients, the median length of hospitalization was almost 50% shorter with a laparoscopic approach (6 days vs 10 days, p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, laparoscopic resection of diverticulitis can be performed without additional morbidity particularly in Hinchey I patients and with a reduced length of hospitalization in patients with class I or II disease. Patients with class I disease, and after initial experience even those with class II disease, can benefit from the reduced morbidity and length of hospitalization associated with laparoscopic treatment.

AIM: To investigate recurrence rates, patterns and complications after nonoperatively managed complicated diverticulitis (CD). METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated for CD was performed. CD was defined on computed tomography by the presence of a localized abscess, pelvic abscess or extraluminal air. For follow-up, patients were contacted by telephone. Numbers of elective surgeries, recurrences and abdominal pain were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients (median age 57 years (range 29-97)), were admitted for CD. Nine patients required surgical intervention for failure of conservative therapy (Hartmann’s procedure: n = 6; resection and colorectal anastomosis: n = 3). Of the 105 remaining patients, 24 (22.9%) underwent elective sigmoid resection. The 81 (71%) non-operated patients were all contacted after a median follow-up of 32 mo (4-63). Among them, six had developed a recurrent episode of diverticulitis at a median follow-up of 12 mo (6-36); however, no patient required hospitalization. Sixty-eight patients (84%) were asymptomatic and 13 (16%) had recurrent abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: Conservative policy is feasible and safe in 71% of cases, with a low medium-term recurrence risk.