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Acute left colonic diverticulitis: a prospective analysis of 226 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the immediate and late outcome of acute left colonic diverticulitis and to correlate it with age (younger and older than 50 years of age), gender, and initial computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: Analysis was made of data collected prospectively from all patients admitted because of acute colonic diverticulitis between October 1986 and January 1992. Diagnosis relied on results of operation, CT, and Gastrografin enema. Two hundred twenty-six patients were urgently hospitalized for acute left colonic diverticulitis; 47 were younger than 50 years of age (21%). RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (29%) were operated on during their first hospitalization. The remaining 160 patients treated conservatively underwent CT and an enema within 72 hours of admission. Fifty-nine of 179 patients (33%) older than 50 years of age required operation during their first attack, compared with 7 in 47 patients (15%) younger than 50 years of age (p = 0.02), although on CT severe diverticulitis was found in 36 of 141 patients (26%) older than 50 years of age and in 16 of 43 patients (37%) younger than 50 years of age (p = 0.13). Of the 160 patients treated conservatively, 11 of 40 patients (28%) younger than 50 years of age experienced recurrences or complications after their first discharge, compared with 16 in 120 patients (13%) older than 50 years of age (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients younger than 50 years of age were significantly more prone to recurrences and complications after conservative treatment of their diverticulitis, whereas older patients required operation significantly more often during their first hospitalization.

Acute Disease↗

[Value of computerized tomography in acute diverticulitis of the left colon].

This prospective study focuses on the prediction of late outcome after acute left colonic diverticulitis successfully treated conservatively and in which the diagnosis was confirmed radiologically (computed tomography [CT] and gastrografin enema [GE]). Acute diverticulitis was diagnosed in 226 patients. Sixty-six patients (29%) were operated on during their first hospitalization, and 2 of them died (3% mortality). The remaining 160 patients, successfully treated conservatively, had a CT and a GE within 72 hours of admission and entered this study. Signs of severity on CT included the presence of abscess(es) and/or extraluminal air and/or extraluminal hydrosoluble contrast (Gastrografin). Follow-up averaged 25 months (range 1 month to 5.3 years). Twenty-seven of these 160 patients (17%) had a poor outcome (persistent diverticulitis in 12, colonic stenosis in 6, recurrences in 7, residual parasigmoid abscess and colovesical fistula in one each). When comparing these 27 patients with the 133 others it appeared that: (1) men up to 50 years of age were significantly more prone to develop such complications (p = 0.003); (2) the probability of developing a complication was significantly greater when the initial CT had revealed an abscess and/or extraluminal air and/or extraluminal Gastrografin (p = 0.005). These results support the view that elective colectomy can reasonably be proposed after a first attack of acute left diverticulitis treated conservatively in men up to 50 years of age, and/or in patients whose initial CT revealed findings of severe diverticulitis.

Age Factors↗

Diverticulitis mimicking a tuboovarian abscess. Report of a case in a young woman.

BACKGROUND: Diverticulitis is an uncommon condition in young women. When it occurs, it is often not recognized until complications such as perforation or fistulization occur. There has been no recent discussion in the gynecologic literature of diverticulitis in a young woman presenting as gynecologic disease. CASE: A 31-year-old woman with a long history of "irritable bowel syndrome" developed a 4-5-cm left adnexal mass associated with mild discomfort and dysparunia. Acute worsening of her pain led to abdominal exploration and left salpingo-oophorectomy for an unruptured tuboovarian abscess. She initially improved but then developed a recurrent pelvic abscess. Workup revealed extensive diverticulosis with probable sigmoid diverticulitis. Reexploration, drainage of the abscess and fecal diversion were required. CONCLUSION: Because of the proximity of the left ovary to the sigmoid colon, it is possible for diverticulitis to perforate into the ovary, producing a tuboovarian abscess indistinguishable from that due to other more common causes. A high index of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis, especially in young women. Failure to treat underlying diverticulitis can lead to persistent or recurrent pelvic infection.

Abscess↗

[Colonic diverticulitis. Primary clinical and ultrasound diagnosis--report of 47 cases from general practice].

Clinical and sonographic diagnosis-Report on 47 cases From 1993 to 1996, 47 patients with/after acute diverticulitis were examined in our practice by abdominal ultrasound. In all 36 cases with acute diverticulitis, a dolent non-echous wall thickening of descendent/sigmoid colon was seen. In five cases, we found other sonographic signs suspicious of penetration. Elevation of CRP and sometimes leukocytosis assisted the diagnosis in acute cases. In 39 of the 47 patients, colonoscopy was performed in the practice mostly during intermissions. Diverticula were confirmed in 31 patients whereas sigmoid stenosis from chronic diverticulitis could not be passed in 6 cases. 32 patients were treated with antibiotics and 10-including those with stenosis-underwent surgery. Except in one particular case (tubar abscess involving the sigmoid), operation confirmed sonographic findings of severe inflammation (stenosis and sealed perforation, respectively, in five cases). In patients presenting with pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, colonic diverticulitis has to be considered especially if signs of inflammation are present. After clinical examination the first diagnostic measures should be venopuncture (CRP, leukocytes) and at the same time abdominal ultrasound by an experienced clinician. Due to its high accuracy, abdominal ultrasound is sufficient for primary diagnosis and evaluation of the course of colonic diverticulitis. Colonoscopy and barium enema follow after resolution of acute inflammation.

Adult↗

[Progress in laparoscopic sigmoid resection in elective surgical therapy of sigmoid diverticulitis].

The full significance of laparoscopic technique in elective surgery of sigmoid diverticulitis has yet to be determined. However, it seems worthwhile to evaluate how minimally invasive surgery could be integrated into the surgical treatment of diverticulitis disease. Between January 1995 and August 1996, 26 patients with sigmoid diverticulitis underwent elective surgery. Following diagnostic laparoscopy, seven patients were treated with primary conventional resection, 15 patients with laparoscopic resection and four patients with laparoscopic-assisted surgery. One laparoscopic resection had to be converted to a median laparotomy. Postoperative complications (n = 2) only appeared in the group of conventional resections. Conventional resections required less time than laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted resections, but postoperatively, patients with laparoscopic resection were able to defecate sooner and required a shorter hospital stay. For 60% of the patients with diverticulitis disease of the colon, elective laparoscopic resection may prove to be the best alternative of surgical treatment. In selected patients it is a sound technique with a low complication rate. We recommend that all patients with diverticulitis disease requiring elective surgery undergo diagnostic laparoscopy to determine whether or not laparoscopic resection is a viable option.

Aged↗

Diverticulitis in the younger patient.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the presentation of diverticulitis at an urban county hospital serving predominantly indigent patients and to analyze the differences, if any, in presentation and treatment in younger patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from 1995 to 2001 was performed at a single institution to identify patients admitted to the surgical service with the diagnosis of diverticular disease. Inclusion criteria were either diverticulitis confirmed at operation or radiographic findings consistent with the disease. Patient demographics, history, pertinent physical findings, and treatment were recorded. The data were analyzed after dividing the patients into two populations: a younger population 50 years of age or less, and a second population of patients older than 50. RESULTS: During the interval, a total of 64 patients were admitted to the surgical service with the diagnosis of diverticulitis. The mean age of this population was 45.5 years (range 21 to 86). Forty-six patients were under 50 years of age (72%). Analysis of sex differences, type and timing of surgical procedure, and complication rate with respect to age showed no significant difference between the two age groups. CONCLUSIONS: We are clearly treating a younger patient population than previous reports on patients with diverticulitis. Although there was a trend toward increased surgical intervention in the younger population, this number did not reach statistical significance. Diverticulitis in young patients at our institution does not appear to take a more aggressive course than the same disease in older patients.

Adult↗

Diagnostic ultrasound of acute colonic diverticulitis by surgical residents.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have documented the feasibility of ultrasonography (US) to diagnose acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD). This prospective observational trial determined the sonomorphology of ACD and evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of routine US performed on admission by surgeons in training. METHODS: Fifty-seven consecutive patients with a confirmed episode of ACD were entered into this study, and the sonomorphology of the involved colon was assessed. US findings were compared to the results of the clinical evaluation and correlated to the clinicopathological outcome. RESULTS: The sonomorphology of ACD was characterized by segmental inflammatory transformation of the colon averaging 9.9 +/- 3.2 cm (range, 6-20) in length and visualized as target phenomena of a mean 3.5 +/- 0.8 cm (range, 2.4-4.8) width. Targets were caused by hypoechogenic thickening of the colonic wall of an average 7.7 +/- 2. 6 mm (range, 4-18). In 40% of cases, a hyperechogenic halo representing peridiverticulitis (average width, 2.3 +/- 0.6; range, 1.2-3 cm) was noted. Diverticula were seen in almost half of the cases. Of the 57 cases with confirmed ACD, the diagnosis was made by US in 48, for a global accuracy of 84.2%. US was false negative in nine patients, suggesting perforated appendicitis in five cases and acute appendicitis in one (the final diagnoses were perforated sigmoid diverticulitis in five cases and cecal diverticulitis in one case). In three patients, US was nondiagnostic. CONCLUSION: In the hands of sonographically trained surgeons, ultrasound is a useful modality to image acute colonic diverticulitis. US reveals diagnostic sonomorphology in most cases of ACD and therefore facilitates early confirmation of the diagnosis and assessment of severity.

Acute Disease↗

Diverticulitis of the caecum and ascending colon: an unavoidable diagnostic pitfall?

PURPOSE: The infrequency of right-sided colonic diverticulitis prompted this presentation of our experiences, with emphasis on the diagnostic aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Charts and documentation regarding 20 patients who underwent surgery for diverticulitis of the caecum and/or ascending colon over 22 years were reviewed. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent pre-operative instrumental examinations: right-sided diverticulitis was recognized in five patients (two by barium enema, two by both ultrasonography and computerized tomography, one by all three examinations) and was suspected in another four. All diagnoses on merely clinical grounds--acute appendicitis in 10 patients and perforated peptic ulcer in one--were erroneous. Surgery consisted of 13 right standard or limited hemicolectomies, six conservative procedures and one Mickulicz' operation and subsequent right hemicolectomy. No operative deaths or long-term failures were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of clinical features atypical of acute appendicitis, right-sided colonic diverticulitis should be taken into account; pre-operative instrumental examinations might increase diagnostic accuracy, thereby leading to a more correct therapeutic approach.

Adult↗

Acute recurrent diverticulitis is prevented by oral administration of a polybacterial lysate suspension.

AIM: The main cause of acute diverticulitis is the abnormal accumulation of fecal bacteria within the diverticular lumen, leading to a balancing between normal probiotic microflora and pathogenic species; Gram negative Entero-bacteriaceae, mainly Escherichia coli and Proteus spp, are the genders that usually cause the disease-related symptoms, due to their ability to adhere to intestinal mucosa. The intestine is well known as the largest human lymphoepithelial organ and daily produces more antibodies, mainly secretory IgAs, than do all other lymphoid tissues. IgAs have different immune and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of an oral immunostimulant highly-purified, polymicrobial lysate in the prevention of recurrent attacks of diverticulitis and in the improvement of symptoms. METHODS: The study was carried out on 83 consecutive patients suffering from recurrent symptomatic acute diverticulitis and with at least 2 attacks in the previous year; patients were randomly assigned to receive (group A) an oral polybacterial lysate suspension or to a no-treatment clinical follow-up as controls (group B). RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (41 in group A and 35 in group B) terminated the study period. the sums of the scores for symptoms, reported on day schedules, were calculated and examined by means of ANOVA statistical analysis. Statistical differences between group A vs group B were recorded after 1 month (p<0.05) and 3 months (p<0.01) of treatment with the oral polybacterial lysate suspension. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the administration of an oral enterovaccine for the prophylaxis of recurrent diverticulitis is effective and well tolerated, probably due to a direct stimulation of IgA-mediated mucosal defences.

Acute Disease↗

Sigmoid diverticulitis in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome: relatively high prevalence and high complication rate in young adults with the syndrome.

In a retrospective survey of 128 adults with Williams-Beuren syndrome (age range 18-62 years) sigmoid diverticulitis was reported in 10 patients (2 f, 8 m). The diagnosis of diverticulitis had been made between the ages of 17.1 and 39.6 years. An additional four patients (age range 23.5-32.2 years) had presented with sigmoid diverticulosis. In eight patients the course of the disease was complicated, some of them having to undergo multiple surgery. Conservative therapy was successful in only one female and one male patient with diverticulitis. Thus, we conclude that there is an increased prevalence of sigmoid diverticulitis in adult patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome (8% vs. 2% in the normal population in the age group below 40 years).

Adolescent↗

Prognostic factors from computed tomography in acute left colonic diverticulitis.

This prospective study examined factors which may predict a poor outcome (complications and recurrence) after a first attack of diverticulitis which has been successfully managed conservatively. Twenty-four of 107 patients who entered the study had a poor outcome: persistent diverticulitis (nine cases), recurrence (seven cases), colonic stenosis (six cases), residual parasigmoid abscess (one case) and colovesical fistula (one case). Eight of the 18 men aged 50 years or less had a poor outcome compared with 16 of the remaining 89 patients (P = 0.032). Twelve of 76 patients (16 per cent) with mild findings on computed tomography (CT) (localized thickening of colonic wall and inflammation of pericolic fat) had a poor outcome compared with 11 of 23 patients (48 per cent) whose CT was estimated as severe (abscess and/or extraluminal air and/or extraluminal Gastrografin) (P = 0.004). These results suggest that elective colectomy can be proposed after a first attack of acute left diverticulitis in men up to 50 years of age and/or in patients whose initial CT reveals findings of severe diverticulitis.

Acute Disease↗

Computed tomography of diverticulitis.

Six cases of diverticulitis were studied by means of pelvic computed tomography (CT) and contrast enema. CT is effective in defining the intramural and extracolonic component of diverticulitis; abscess formation in the extracolonic space resulted in consistent changes in the contour of the opacified urinary bladder. Inflammatory extracolonic masses were imaged on CT as low or mixed-attenuation lesions frequently containing pockets of gas. Bladder wall thickening and edema, as well as contour asymmetry of the opacified and distended bladder, were reliable indicators of pericolonic or extracolonic extension of diverticular disease. Contrast enema and sigmoidoscopy are inherently limited in the evaluation of diverticulitis; CT of the pelvis reveals secondary changes outside the mucosa and bowel wall, CT directly images the inflammatory mass and associated changes in pelvic anatomic relationships. CT findings of pelvic inflammatory mass are not specific for abscess of diverticular origin; however, CT interpretation is reliable and confident since it is directed by the supporting findings on contrast enema. Integrated study by CT and contrast enema effectively defines the extent of disease in patients with diverticulitis. Summary evaluation of these studies has a serious impact on the choice of medical or surgical management.

Aged↗

Long-term management of diverticulitis in young patients.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the natural history of documented diverticulitis that resolves after treatment with intravenous antibiotics and bowel rest in patients under the age of 50. METHODS: Records of 40 patients aged 50 or under who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis between 1980 and 1984 were reviewed to obtain data regarding how the diagnosis was made. Patients successfully treated with antibiotics were contacted five to nine years after their attack and surveyed via telephone questionnaire about symptoms, recurrent attacks, and surgical interventions. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. Ten patients (25 percent) required surgery during initial admission, and 30 patients were discharged with resolution of their symptoms after treatment with intravenous antibiotics and bowel rest. A five-year to nine-year follow-up was obtained on patients treated medically, one-third of whom underwent operation for diverticulitis during this period, and two-thirds of whom did not require surgery during the follow-up period. All operations were elective with single-stage resections. CONCLUSION: Based on our data, we do not recommend surgery in this population after a single episode of diverticulitis that resolves after treatment with antibiotics.

Acute Disease↗

Management of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis: results of a survey.

PURPOSE: A survey was conducted to document current medical treatment of patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. METHODS: A survey was mailed to 667 fellows of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Queries were based on a clinical scenario of a patient with uncomplicated diverticulitis. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-three surveys (56 percent) were returned completed. The majority (66 percent) chose an abdominal computed tomographic scan as the initial diagnostic test. One-half used a single intravenous antibiotic with second-generation cephalosporins (27 percent) and ampicillin/sulbactam (16 percent) being the most common. Oral antibiotics given at discharge were ciprofloxacin (18 percent), amoxicillin/clavulanate (14 percent), metronidazole (7 percent), and doxycycline (6 percent). Combinations chosen were ciprofloxacin/metronidazole (28 percent) and metronidazole/trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (6 percent), whereas 21 percent chose a variety of other antibiotics. The majority (74 percent) prescribed oral antibiotics for 7 to 10 days. Dietary recommendations at discharge were low residue (68 percent), regular (21 percent), and high residue (10 percent). Half of those surveyed believed avoidance of seeds and nuts were of no value. Follow-up examinations chosen included sigmoidoscopy and barium enema (29 percent), colonoscopy (25 percent), sigmoidoscopy (17 percent), barium enema (13 percent), and other (16 percent). Sixty-five percent of colon and rectal surgeons claim to handle more than half of their patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis on an outpatient basis. CONCLUSION: Variations in the management of uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis are noted among colon and rectal surgeons, especially in terms of antibiotic choice, discharge instructions, and follow-up outpatient studies. The survey results are compared with the conclusions reached in The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons practice parameters. Documentation of practice pattern variation may serve as an educational tool for physicians to improve their quality and cost of medical care. Consideration should be given to better publicize already existing American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons practice parameters for this common entity.

Acute Disease↗

Primary vs. secondary anastomosis after sigmoid colon resection for perforated diverticulitis (Hinchey Stage III and IV): a prospective outcome and cost analysis.

PURPOSE: Our hypothesis was that in patients with perforated sigmoid colon diverticulitis and peritonitis (Hinchey Stage III and IV) a one-stage sigmoid colon resection is safe and cost effective when performed by an experienced colorectal surgeon. We evaluated outcome and cost of one-stage vs. two-stage sigmoid colon resection after diverticulitis perforation and peritonitis. METHODS: Patients undergoing emergency resection for perforated sigmoid colon diverticulitis and peritonitis (Hinchey Stage III and IV). Outcome, costs, and insurers reimbursement were compared between 13 patients undergoing sigmoid colon resection and primary anastomosis (Group A) and 42 patients undergoing sigmoid colon resection with Hartmann's procedure and secondary descendorectostomy (Group B). RESULTS: Group A patients were comparable to Group B patients in age, gender, preoperative risk and severity of peritonitis (Mannheim Peritonitis Index and C-reactive protein). Operating room time for sigmoid colon resection with primary anastomosis (3.3 +/- 1.2 hours) was identical to the time for sigmoid colon resection with colostomy (3.3 +/- 1 hour), and morbidity and mortality, intensive care unit, and in-hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups. In Group B patients' intestinal continuity was restored 169 +/- 74 days after the primary resection in 32 of 42 patients only (78 percent). The second procedure took on average 1.4 hours longer than the first procedure. Patients in Group B received more antibiotics (2.2 vs. 2) albeit for a shorter period of time (4.5 vs. 5.7 days, P = not significant). Overall expenses for restoration of intestinal continuity were between 74 and 229 percent higher for Group B patients than for Group A patients. Reimbursement was 18,191 +/- 16,761 SFr (Group A) and 41,321 +/- 26,983 SFr (Group B) respectively. CONCLUSION: With meticulous surgical technique and extensive intraoperative lavage, perforated sigmoid colon diverticulitis with peritonitis can be treated by a one-stage sigmoid colon resection and anastomosis with a low mortality and morbidity. A one-stage procedure is considerably cheaper and patients are rehabilitated faster and to a higher percentage.

Adult↗

Cecal diverticulitis. A review of the American experience.

The etiology of cecal diverticulitis remains unclear. The majority of diverticula are solitary and probably false and may be the result of the same degenerative process seen in the more common left-sided diverticulosis. A minority are true diverticula and may be of congenital origin. Cecal diverticulitis is clinically indistinguishable from acute appendicitis although patients with cecal diverticulitis tend to be older (average age, 40 years), have a longer duration of symptoms, and present less often with nausea and vomiting. In patients with previous appendectomy and in those with more indolent symptoms, barium enema may be helpful in making the diagnosis. If nonoperative treatment is chosen, careful follow-up with air contrast barium enema and colonoscopy should be carried out. The majority of patients require surgery and two types of cecal diverticulitis are encountered at laparotomy. The usual type, accounting for two thirds of cases, is easy to recognize, has an inflamed projection from the cecal wall, and is dealt with by a limited local diverticulectomy. Some authors advocate nonsurgical treatment for this first group of patients. Incidental appendectomy is advocated to avoid confusion should symptoms occur postoperatively. The hidden variant presents as a large, indurated phlegmon and is difficult to distinguish from a perforated cecal carcinoma. With the hidden variant, right hemicolectomy is the surgical treatment of choice and carries a 1.4 percent mortality.

Cecal Diseases↗

[Surgical therapy of colonic diverticulitis--how reliable is primary anastomosis?].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the modern principles of surgery in diverticulitis, e.g. early elective resection and primary anastomosis. METHODS: The data of 445 consecutive patients were retrospectively analysed after classifying all cases in four subgroups according to a modified Hinchey classification (stages 0-III). RESULTS: Within our study group the morbidity was 26.5% (n = 118) and the mortality was 1.6% (n = 7). In 96% (n = 425) of all cases and in 64% (21/33) of patients with perforated diverticulitis and peritonitis (stage III), a primary anastomosis was performed. Four patients of the study group showed insufficient anastomosis (0.9%). No leakage was observed from any of the anastomoses performed in stage III diverticulitis. Stage of inflammation and age of patient correlate with morbidity and mortality. Some 53% (94/177) of the patients in stage II and 67% (22/33) of the patients in stage III had never showed symptoms of diverticulitis before. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic surgery to avoid life-threatening situations, including abscess formation or perforation, is not possible in many cases. However, especially patients at risk (age, coexisting illness) should undergo early surgery. Primary anastomosis can be performed safely even at an advanced stage.

Adult↗

[CT of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis and its differential diagnoses].

PURPOSE: This review shows the diagnostic potential of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis. METHODS: Using a single detector spiral CT, standard examination of the entire abdomen is performed after oral and rectal administration of diluted iodinated contrast medium with collimation of 8 mm, pitch of 1.5, and reconstruction increment of 8 mm before and after intravenous contrast injection. Intravenous administration of spasmolytic agents, various patient positions, and the thin-section technique with 3-5 mm slices are beneficial in difficult cases. RESULTS: The differential diagnosis of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis includes tumorous, inflammatory, and ischemic diseases of the colon as well as infarctions of epiploic appendages and the omentum majus. The knowledge of the various CT criteria of acute colonic diverticulitis and their differential diagnoses helps to establish a correct diagnosis in a wide majority of cases. CONCLUSION: At present, CT is the diagnostic procedure of choice for assessing acute diverticulitis. Distinct knowledge of the CT features helps to differentiate the various entities accurately.

Acute Disease↗