Potential risks and treatment options for colonic diverticular disease Novelties based on international guidelines

Abstract

The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis is growing worldwide due to dietary and lifestyle changes. Colonic diverticulosis does not cause any complaints in a significant proportion of individuals; therefore, it is usually diagnosed by accident and does not require any treatment. Diverticular disease, which constitutes about 25% of the cases, is associated with presenting symptoms, and has various forms based on the course and severity of the disease. From the early 2000s, the better understanding of the pathophysiologic pathways which play a role in the development of the diverticular disease (genetic background, low-grade chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis) promoted prevention, diagnostics and finding treatment options. The main conclusions: It is a challenge to distinguish uncomplicated but symptomatic diverticular disease from irritable bowel syndrome. The prevalence of acute diverticulitis is lower than it was previously assumed. The role of diagnostic imaging, mainly abdominal computer tomography, has become more important to aid the rapid and correct diagnosis of acute diverticulitis and to determine its severity. Although a high-fiber diet may be recommended for general health purposes, there is little evidence that it benefits recovery during acute diverticulitis episodes or prevents recurrent episodes. Traditional antibiotic therapy as the mainstay of treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis such as routine hospital admission has been challenged recently. In an acute episode of diverticulitis, performing colonoscopy should be avoided as it is associated with an increased risk of colonic perforation. If there was no screening colonoscopy within 3 years, it is strongly recommended at least 6 weeks after the acute episode to exclude colorectal carcinoma. Routine colonoscopy may be omitted in certain cases. Complicated acute diverticulitis should not necessarily be treated by emergency surgery. In thecase of hemodynamically stable and immunocompetent patients, resection with primary anastomosis may be preferred over a Hartmann's procedure for the treatment of perforated diverticulitis and diffuse peritonitis. With this review, the authors intend to facilitate providing up-to-date and customized treatment of diverticular disease in the daily practice.