Manejo y resultados de pacientes con diverticulitis aguda: experiencia de cinco años en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación / Management and results of patients with acute diverticulitis. Five year-experience at the San Vicente Fundación Hospital

Introducción. Los datos epidemiológicos de la diverticulitis en Colombia son limitados. El objetivo de este artículo fue caracterizar una población que ingresó con diverticulitis aguda al Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, un centro de referencia de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, para analizar la presentación y comportamiento de la enfermedad en la población local, con estadísticas propias y desenlaces de la enfermedad en los últimos años. Métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo, descriptivo, entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019. Se hizo un estudio exploratorio uni-, bi- y multivariado de factores de riesgo para fallo en el tratamiento y la mortalidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 103 pacientes. Se presentó principalmente en mujeres y la edad promedio fue de 65 años. La diverticulitis Hinchey Ia fue la más frecuente (41,7 %) y el manejo médico fue exitoso en todos los casos, mientras que en las tipo III y IV, todos se manejaron de forma quirúrgica, con tasas de éxito entre el 50 y el 64 %. La presencia de signos de irritación peritoneal al examen físico, el recuento de leucocitos y la PCR, el ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y la mortalidad aumentaron de forma directamente proporcional con el estadio de Hinchey. Conclusiones. Existe una relación directamente proporcional entre la clasificación de Hinchey y los signos de respuesta inflamatoria clínicos y paraclínicos, la necesidad de manejo quirúrgico, la estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y la mortalidad.

Introduction. Epidemiological data on diverticulitis in Colombia are limited. The objective of this article was to characterize a population that was admitted with acute diverticulitis to the San Vicente Fundación University Hospital, a reference center in the city of Medellín, Colombia, to analyze the presentation and behavior of the disease in the local population, with its own statistics, and outcomes of the disease in recent years. Methods. Retrospective descriptive observational study between January 2015 and December 2019. An exploratory uni-, bi- and multivariate study of risk factors for treatment failure and mortality was performed. Results. A total of 103 patients were included. The most frequent Hinchey classification was Ia (41.7%). It occurs mainly in women, mean age 65 years. Hinchey Ia diverticulitis is the most frequent and medical management is successful in 100% of cases; while in III and IV, 100% were managed surgically with success rates between 50 and 64%. The presence of peritoneal signs on physical examination, leukocyte count and CRP, ICU admission and mortality increased directly proportional with Hinchey stage. Conclusions. There is a directly proportional relationship between Hinchey staging with clinical and paraclinical signs of inflammatory response, need for surgical management, ICU stay and mortality.

Prevalencia de divertículos colónicos asintomáticos en población chilena como hallazgo imagenológico en tomografía de abdomen y pelvis / Prevalence of asymptomatic colonic diverticula in Chilean population as an imaging finding in abdominal and pelvic tomography

INTRODUCCIÓN: La prevalencia de diverticulosis colónica en población general varía entre 20-60% según referencias internacionales, sin embargo, hay escasos datos nacionales. Un buen método para la detección de esta entidad es la tomografía computarizada de abdomen y pelvis (TACP). OBJETIVOS: Determinar la prevalencia de diverticulosis colónica en población general como hallazgo en tomografías computarizadas de abdomen y pelvis. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Estudio de corte transversal con estadística observacional, seleccionando pacientes sin antecedentes de diverticulosis que se realizaron TCAP en un hospital clínico en un periodo de 3 meses. Se revisan 1.449 TCAP y se incluyen 1.177 casos. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia general de divertículos colónicos fue de 28,3%, esta cifra aumenta con la edad alcanzando un 60% en mayores de 80 años. Casi un 90% se localizan en colon izquierdo, y los casos en lado derecho se acumulan en menores de 60 años. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia global de diverticulosis, detectadas por TCAP en esta población, corresponde a cerca del 30% de los pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Asymptomatic colonic diverticular prevalence varies in the general population between 20 and 60% in international references, however, we couldn't find statistics about it in national reports. A method for detection of this nosological entity is the abdomen and pelvis computed tomography. AIM: Determine the prevalence of asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis in the general population as a find in abdomen and pelvis computed tomography (TCAP). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study with descriptive statistics, selecting patients with no history of diverticulosis, who underwent TCAP in our Hospital. 1,449 cases are reviewed and 1,177 are included. RESULTS: The general prevalence of colonic diverticula was 28.3%. Their presence increases with age, being close to 60% in > 80 years. Almost 90% are located in the left colon, being more frequent the right side diverticulosis in population under 60 years. CONCLUSIONS B The overall prevalence of asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis, detected as a finding in TCAP, corresponds to about one third of patients.

Manejo actual de la enfermedad diverticular aguda del colon / Current management of acute diverticular disease of the colon

Introducción: La colopatía diverticular es la enfermedad benigna más frecuente del colon, llegando a tener una incidencia del 70% a los 65 años de edad. El tratamiento fue variando a lo largo de los años. El objetivo de la presente monografía es realizar una recopilación de datos actualizados que permitan analizar las diferentes variables terapéuticas en relación al tratamiento médico y más específicamente quirúrgico de la enfermedad diverticular aguda. Materiales y Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica actualizada en base a buscadores académicos médicos (PubMed, MedLine, Ovid, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Lilacs, Rima, Cochrane) a partir de la cual se analizaron las diferentes variables relacionadas al tratamiento (manejo médico y quirúrgico). Resultados: Se desarrolló una guía de tratamiento en relación a la enfermedad diverticular complicada y no complicada y sus variables terapéuticas teniendo en cuenta la clasificación de HINCHEY. Conclusiones: La enfermedad diverticular tiene una incidencia en aumento en las últimas décadas, ya sea por un incremento en los factores de riesgo (dietas hipercalóricas, con un bajo contenido de fibras y verduras; obesidad; estrés) como por los avance en los métodos de diagnósticos, por lo que hay que saber diferenciar la terapéutica teniendo en cuenta no sólo la clasificación de HINCHEY sino también el estado general del paciente. En la mayoría de los casos no requerirá de una conducta quirúrgica para su resolución, siendo está indicada a los tipos III/IV y ante la falta de respuesta al tratamiento médico en los demás tipos. La elección de la técnica quirúrgica (Operación de Hartmann, Resección con anastomosis primaria con o sin ostomía de protección o lavado y drenaje de cavidad abdominal) se establecerá en base al estado general del paciente al momento del acto quirúrgico y a la experiencia del cirujano. (AU)

Endocarditis por Lactococcus garvieae en un paciente sometido a hemodialisis crónica. Primer caso reportado en Chile y revisión de la literatura / Lactococcus garvieae endocarditis in a patient undergoing chronic hemodialysis. First case report in Chile and review of the literature

Resumen Los casos reportados de infección por Lactococcus garvieae son escasos y sólo uno asociado a hemodiálisis. Comunicamos el caso de endocarditis infecciosa de curso fatal por L. garvieae en un paciente con una enfermedad renal crónica sometido a hemodiálisis y portador de diverticulosis colónica no complicada. Se realiza una revisión de los casos publicados y se discuten los actuales desafíos diagnósticos y terapéuticos de este patógeno, capaz de producir infecciones graves y potencialmente fatales en pacientes susceptibles. Este sería el segundo caso de infección asociada a hemodiálisis y el primero reportado en Chile.

Reports of Lactococcus garvieae infections in humans are scarce, and only one of them in a patient under-going hemodialysis. We report the first case of Lactococcus garvieae infection in Chile, presenting as an infective endocarditis, ultimately fatal, in a patient with uncomplicated colonic diverticulosis and end stage renal failure undergoing chronic hemodialysis. We review the published cases and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this new, increasingly diagnosed pathogen, capable of producing serious infections in susceptible patients.

Enfrentamiento actual de la enfermedad diverticular complicada. visión del gastroenterólogo / Current approach to complicated diverticular disease by the gastroenterologist

Prevalence of colonic diverticulosis is increasing, although usually asymptomatic. Acute diverticulitis (AD)is the most frequent complications, afflicting 1-2 percent of cases in the long term. Diagnosis and classification of AD can usually be accomplished by simple clinical manifestations and laboratory tests. Ultrasonography and CT scan are the most frequently used imaging tests to confirm diagnosis and detect complications. Modifications to the classical Hinchey classification have incorporated uncomplicated AD (without abscess or perforation), the most frequent presentation, allowing to suggest therapy according to the severity of the disease. Uncomplicated AD usually has a benign course, does not require hospitalization and there is growing evidence suggesting that antibiotics are not required. Recurrence is uncommon and with low risk. The number of recurrences by itself is no more a valid criterion to indicate surgery and most patients should be managed medically, although there are no drugs with proven utility to modify the risk of recurrence. Complicated AD can be managed with intravenous antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of abscesses. Surgery is indicated in case of free perforation or diffuse peritonitis. There is a growing trend to use laparoscopic approach and perform peritoneal lavage, without resection in the emergency setting. However, many patients will require resective surgery during the follow-up. The classical paradigms that have guided the approach to colonic diverticulosis are being challenged by the lack of evidence, but the new ones still have to be constructed. For now, we must tolerate high levels of uncertainty and heterogeneity in the management of this common condition.

La diverticulosis colónica ha aumentado su frecuencia, es generalmente asintomática y se complica entre 1-2 por ciento a largo plazo, siendo la diverticulitis aguda (DA) la complicación más frecuente. El diagnóstico y categorización de la DA puede realizarse en base a las manifestaciones clínicas y exámenes de laboratorio simple. Las imágenes más utilizadas son la ecotomografía y la tomografía computada. Se han sugerido modificaciones a la clásica clasificación de Hinchey, que incorporan la DA no complicada y permiten sugerir la terapia de acuerdo a la gravedad. La DA no complicada (sin absceso ni perforación) es la presentación clínica más frecuente. Su evolución es benigna, no requiere hospitalización y existe evidencia creciente que cuestiona la utilidad de los antibióticos. La recurrencia es infrecuente y de bajo riesgo. El número de recurrencias no es un criterio válido para indicar la cirugía. La DA complicada puede manejarse con antibióticos intravenosos y drenaje percutáneo de abscesos. La cirugía está indicada en caso de perforación libre o peritonitis difusa. Existe una tendencia creciente a realizar aseo por vía laparoscópica, sin resección. La mayor parte de los pacientes con DA complicada requieren cirugía resectiva durante la evolución, mientras que aquellos con DA no complicada son de manejo médico, aunque no existen fármacos con utilidad demostrada para modificar el riesgo de recurrencia. Los paradigmas que han guiado el enfrentamiento de la diverticulosis colónica están siendo cuestionados por la falta de evidencia, por lo que, por ahora, debemos tolerar altos niveles de incerteza y heterogeneidad en el manejo de esta frecuente patología.

Right-sided diverticulosis and disparities from left-sided diverticulosis in the Vietnamese population living in Boston, Mass., USA: a retrospective cohort study

Objective: To report the prevalence, clinical differences and complications of right-sided diverticulosis [RD] and to investigate the potential disparities from left-sided diverticulosis [LD] in the Vietnamese population

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

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

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

Doença diverticular dos cólons e diverticulite aguda: o que o clínico deve saber / Diverticular disease of the colon and acute diverticulitis: what the clinician should know

A doença diverticular constitui uma das afecções benignas mais frequentes e ocasiona elevada morbidade para o paciente. Várias complicações são advindas dessa doença, e em determinadas situações elas apresentam significativa gravidade. Contudo, essa afecção é, na maioria das vezes, assintomática e poucos indivíduos estão cientes desua existência. Na vigência de inflamação dos divertículos, os pacientes procuram atendimentos de urgência com sintomatologia de diverticulite aguda. Cabe ao clínico proceder com avaliação clínica detalhada, propedêutica eficiente e instituição de terapêutica adequada. Ainda, torna-se essencial discernir sobre a necessidade da abordagem cirúrgica. Esse artigo objetiva contribuir para a atualização do conhecimento sobre o diagnóstico e o tratamento da doença diverticular e diverticulite aguda...

Diverticular disease is one of the most frequent benign diseases, with high patient morbidity. Several complications can arise from it and in certain cases they can be very severe. However, this condition is most often asymptomatic and few individuals are aware of its existence. In the presence of diverticular inflammation patients seek emergency services with symptoms of acute diverticulitis. It is up to the clinician to proceed with a detailed clinical assessment, efficient workup and start adequatetherapy. Additionally, it is essential to discern the need for a surgical approach. This article aims to contribute with an update on the diagnosis and treatment of acute diverticulitis and diverticular disease...

Infecção do trato urinário de repetição por fístula enterovesical secundária a doença diverticular do cólon: um relato de caso / Recurrent urinary tract infection due to enterovesical fistula secondary to colon diverticular disease: a case report

INTRODUÇÃO: As fístulas enterovesicais (FEV) são comunicações patológicas entre a bexiga e as alças intestinais pélvicas. Trata-se de uma rara complicação decorrente de doenças inflamatórias e neoplásicas da pelve, além de casos resultantes de iatrogenia, e associa-se a altos índices de morbimortalidade. RELATO DO CASO: Trata-se de um paciente de 61 anos com um quadro de dor e distensão abdominal, vômitos, parada de eliminação de fezes e flatos. APP: Hipertenso, diabético, com antecedentes de disfunção vesical e infecções do trato urinário de repetição (ITUr) nos últimos três anos. Por meio da realização de ressonância magnética de abdômen e pelve, diagnosticou-se FEV associada à doença diverticular (DDC) do sigmoide. A conduta estabelecida consistiu em colectomia parcial com rebaixamento de colo e cistectomia parcial com colocação cirúrgica de cateter duplo jota à esquerda. DISCUSSÃO: Embora consista de afecção primária do trato digestivo, normalmente o paciente com DDC associada a FEV procura atendimento médico em decorrência de queixas do trato urinário. Nesse caso, a demora no diagnóstico fez com que a queixa principal fosse do trato digestivo e com antecedentes de queixas urinárias. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de pouco frequente, a ocorrência de ITUr associada à DDC deve ser sempre considerada no diagnóstico diferencial das ITUr pela alta morbimortalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Enterovesical fistula are pathological connections between the bladder and pelvic intestinal segments. It consists of a rare complication of neoplastic and inflammatory pelvic disorders, in addition to iatrogenic or traumatic injuries, and correlates with both high morbidity and mortality indexes. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 61 years old, admitted at the hospital clinics featuring abdominal pain and distension, vomiting and fecal retention. Patient's pathological precedents include high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, vesical dysfunction and recurrent urinary tract infection on the past three years. Magnetic resonance imaging of abdomen and pelvis revealed enterovesical fistula in association with colon diverticular disease of the sigmoid. Management of choice consisted of partial colectomy with bowel lowering and partial cystectomy with surgical double-J stent insertion. DISCUSSION: Although consisting of a gastrointestinal primary affection, patients with enterovesical fistula usually search for medical help charging urinary tract features. In this particular case, our patient was admitted with gastrointestinal symptoms, reasoned by diagnostic delay, as the patient had already attended at multiple centers with urinary symptoms. CONCLUSION: Despite being an unusual affection, recurrent urinary tract infection associated with colon diverticular disease must always be considered at differential diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection as it concurs with high morbidity and mortality.

A Prospective Study of Factors Influencing on the Clinical Characteristics of Colonic Diverticulosis / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in Korea is increasing in conjunction with the adoption of western dietary pattern, extension of lifespan, and advances in diagnostic modalities. The clinical characteristics of colonic diverticulosis seem to be gradually becoming similar to those of Western societies. Therefore, factors associated with the clinical characteristics of colonic diverticulosis in Korea were investigated. METHODS: The data of 200 patients diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis using colonoscopy between May 2010 and April 2012 at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital (Seoul, Korea) were prospectively collected. Clinical parameters acquired through a questionnaire include age, body mass index, waist circumference, exercise, diet, smoking, drinking habits, etc. Correlation between these factors and the clinical features of diverticulosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 54.9+/-11.9 (range 17-79) years and male to female ratio was 2.2:1. Most diverticula were located on the right side of the colon (83%) and the mean number of diverticulum was 4.07+/-3.9. Factor associated with the location of diverticulum on the left side was age (p=0.001). There was a positive correlation between the waist circumference and the number of diverticulum (partial correlation coefficient r'=0.143, p=0.047). Diverticulitis occurred more frequently in younger patients than in older patients (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Colonic diverticulosis in older patients is found more frequently on the left colon, and the number of diverticulosis is associated with central obesity.

A Case of Colon Cancer with Ovarian Metastasis Mimicking Acute Diverticulitis / 대한내과학회지

Colonic diverticulitis develops in 10-25% of patients with colonic diverticulosis. Most patients complain of lower abdominal pain and fever. The complications of diverticulitis are abscess, fistula, bowel obstruction, free perforation, and panperitonitis. The relationship between diverticulitis and colon cancer is complicated and conflicted. We report a 35-year-old woman diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, who initially presented with acute colonic diverticulitis in the same location 3 months earlier. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of colon cancer with ovarian metastasis presenting as acute diverticulitis.

Prevalencia de enfermedad diverticular del apéndice cecal en pacientes apendicectomizados por apendicitis aguda / Diverticular disease of the appendix in appendectomies

Introduction: Diverticular disease of the appendix is an infrequent finding in the study of surgical specimens from patients operated on for clinically suspected acute appendicitis. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of diverticular disease of the appendix in patients who underwent appendectomies based on the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Material and Method: Design: Cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria: Patients who underwent appendectomies based on a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Studyperiod: january 2000 to december 2008. Sampling: Non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. Methodology: A review was conducted of the clinical records and surgical specimens from patients who underwent appendectomies based on a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results: Within the study period, 11.472 appendectomies were performed based on a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ninety-four patients presented diverticular disease of the appendix (0.8 percent). The median age was 40 years and 62.8 percent were male. The disease appeared as: appendicular diverticulitis (45.7 percent), appendicular diverticulosis with acute appendicitis (28.7 percent), appendicular diverticulitis with acute appendicitis (17.0 percent), appendicular diverticulosis (5.3 percent), and appendicular pseudodiverticulosis with acute appendicitis (3.2 percent). Operative morbidity was 12.7 percent. One patient presented an adenocarcinoma of the appendix associated with diverticular disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of diverticular disease of the appendix is low in our population and the characteristics are different to reported by other authors.

Introducción: La enfermedad diverticular del apéndice cecal es un hallazgo infrecuente en apendicectomizados por sospecha clínica de apendicitis aguda. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la prevalencia de enfermedad diverticular del apéndice cecal en pacientes apendicectomizados por sospecha clínica de apendicitis aguda. Material y Método: Diseño de estudio: Estudio de corte transversal. Criterios de inclusión: Pacientes apendicectomizados por sospecha clínica de apendicitis aguda. Período de estudio: enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2008. Muestreo: No probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de los registros clínicos y de las piezas quirúrgicas de los pacientes sometidos a apendicectomía por diagnóstico clínico de apendicitis aguda. Resultados: Se estudiaron 11.472 apendicectomías. Noventa y cuatro pacientes presentaron enfermedad diverticular del apéndice (0,8 por ciento). La mediana de edad fue 40 años y el 62,8 por ciento fue género masculino. La enfermedad se presentó como: diverticulitis apendicular (45,7 por ciento), diverticulosis apendicular con apendicitis aguda (28,7 por ciento), diverticulitis apendicular con apendicitis aguda (17,0 por ciento), diverticulosis apendicular (5,3 por ciento) y pseudodiverticulosis apendicular con apendicitis aguda (3,2 por ciento). La morbilidad operatoria fue 12,7 por ciento. Un paciente presentó un adenocarcinoma del apéndice cecal asociado a la enfermedad diverticular del apéndice. Conclusión: La prevalencia de enfermedad diverticular del apéndice cecal es baja en nuestra población y con características que difieren a lo reportado por otros autores.

A Case of Colovesical Fistula Induced by Sigmoid Diverticulitis

Colonic diverticulosis has continuously increased, noticeably left-sided diseases, in Korea. A colovesical fistula is an uncommon complication of diverticulitis, and its most common cause is diverticular disease. Confirmation of its presence generally depends on clinical findings, such as pneumaturia and fecaluria. The primary aim of a diagnostic workup is not to observe the fistular tract itself but to find the etiology of the disease so that an appropriate therapy can be initiated. We present here the case of a 79-year-old man complaining of pneumaturia and fecaluria. On abdomen and pelvis CT, the patient was diagnosed as having a colovesical fistula due to sigmoid diverticulitis. After division of the adhesion between the sigmoid colon and the bladder, the defect of the bladder wall was repaired by simple closure. The colonic defect was treated with a segmental resection, including the rectosigmoid junction. The patient is doing well at 6 months after the operation and shows no evidence of recurrence of the fistula.

Enfermedad diverticular del colón complicada en pacientes menores de 35 años: presentación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Complicated diverticular colon disease in patients younger than 35 years: report of two cases and literature review

Introducción: La enfermedad diverticular complicada del colon es rara en pacientes jóvenes, estimándose una incidencia menor a 10 % en las grandes series. Casos clínicos: Se describen dos pacientes menores de 35 años de edad con complicaciones de enfermedad diverticular, atendidos en el Hospital Juárez de México; ambos presentaron cuadro de abdomen agudo de pocos días de evolución y requirieron cirugía de urgencia, con buena evolución posoperatoria. Conclusiones: Algunos autores consideran que la diverticulitis en los pacientes jóvenes puede tener un comportamiento con más complicaciones que en lo mayores. Incluso se recomienda la resección electiva del segmento afectado después del primer episodio de diverticulitis. No obstante, informes recientes han señalado que el comportamiento de las complicaciones de la enfermedad diverticular puede ser el mismo en los pacientes jóvenes y en los de mayor edad.

BACKGROUND: Complicated colonic diverticular disease in young patients is a rare entity, with an incidence <10% from all patients in the largest series. CLINICAL CASES: We present two cases of complicated diverticular disease in patients <35 years old treated at the Hospital Juárez of México City. Both patients had acute abdominal pain with several days of evolution. In both patients, emergency surgery was performed and postoperative evolution was favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Some authors have concluded that diverticulitis in younger patients demonstrates a more aggressive course than in older patients and with an increased risk of complications. Therefore, most physicians recommended elective resection after a single attack in such patients. Conversely, some recent reports highlighted that the clinical course and complications are similar in both age groups.

Clinical Significance of Colonic Diverticulosis Associated with Bowel Symptoms and Colon Polyp

This study was done to evaluate prospectively the clinical significance of colonic diverticulosis. In the 1,030 consecutive outpatients undergoing colonoscopy, the information on the demographics, the patterns of bowel symptoms, and the prevalence of colon polyp were analyzed according to the presence of colonic diverticulosis. The mean age of 1,030 patients were 52.2 yr and 59.3% were male. The prevalence of diverticulosis was 19.7% (203/1,030). Of 203 diverticulosis patients 85.2% were in proximal group, 5.4% in distal group and 9.4% in both group. Six (3.0%) patients were found to have diverticulitis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an old age, diabetes and the presence of polyp were significant factors associated with proximal or both diverticulosis. A significant difference was demonstrated between the patients of distal diverticular group and the controls for the symptom frequency scores within the previous 4 weeks. The items, which showed difference, were hard stool, urgency, flatus, chest discomfort and frequent urination. In conclusion, old age, diabetes and the presence of colon polyp were associated with proximal diverticulosis. The temporal symptoms were more frequent in distal diverticulosis than in proximal diverticulosis in the study subjects.

Relationship Between Intestinal Gas and the Development of Right Colonic Diverticula

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: High intraluminal pressure has been reported to cause left colonic diverticula. However, the pathophysiology of right colonic diverticula is still unclear. Methane gas has been reported to delay small intestinal transit and to increase intraluminal pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between right colonic diverticula and intestinal gas produced by enteric bacteria. METHODS: Lactulose breath tests were performed in 30 patients who were diagnosed with right colonic diverticula via colonoscopy. The control group consisted of 30 healthy adults with no specific symptoms or medical histories. A hydrogen or methane producer was defined in 2 ways: either one that exhibited a breath hydrogen level > or = 20 ppm (methane > or = 10 ppm) baseline or one that exhibited an increase in breath hydrogen > or = 20 ppm (methane > or = 10 ppm) above baseline within the first 90 minutes of the test. RESULTS: The lactulose breath test (LBT) positivity in the diverticular group and the control group were 40.0% and 33.3%, respectively, without a statistically significant difference. The concentrations of methane and hydrogen gas measured by LBT increased over time, but there was no significant difference between the control and the diverticular groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant relationship between right colonic diverticula and intestinal gases produced by enteric bacteria. However, time-dependent formation of diverticula should be taken into consideration, therefore long-term, large-scale follow-up studies may reveal further pathogenesis of right colonic diverticulosis.

Clinical Characteristics of Colonic Diverticulosis in Korea: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis has been reported to be lower in Korea than in Western countries. This disease also shows markedly different characteristics in the Korean population. We describe herein a prospective investigation, based on colonoscopic examination, of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and factors associated with colonic diverticulosis in Korea. METHODS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis has been reported to be lower in Korea than in Western countries. This disease also shows markedly different characteristics in the Korean population. We describe herein a prospective investigation, based on colonoscopic examination, of the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and factors associated with colonic diverticulosis in Korea. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of colonic diverticulosis was 12.1% (103 / 848). The right side of the colon was involved in 84.5% of patients (87 / 103); patients with right side diverticula were, on average, younger than those with left side diverticulosis (p = 0.014). Multiple diverticula were observed in 60.2% (62 / 103) of patients. Age greater than 60 years, a high-fat diet, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with the presence of colonic diverticulosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in Korea is increasing and is most commonly located in the right side of the colon. Further, old age and diet may affect the risk of development of this disease.

An exploratory analysis of the epidemiology and surgical management of perforated diverticular disease over a two-year period at a Referral Centre in the Caribbean / Análisis exploratorio de la epidemiología y el tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad diverticular perforada durante un período de dos años en un Centro de Remisión en el Caribe

OBJECTIVE: We present an exploratory analysis of data collected on perforated diverticular disease (PDD) in Barbados and suggest possible areas for further study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All cases of perforated diverticular disease treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Barbados, between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2006 were reviewed. The patient's age, gender, location of disease, Hinchey stage, operative procedure, rate of colostomy reversal, length of hospitalization, incidence of peri-operative morbidity and postoperative mortality were analysed using principal components analysis (PCA). RESULTS: Fourteen cases of PDD were treated at the QEH during this period. Six (43%) of the patients had perforated right-sided diverticulitis (PRSD). In the PCA, Dimensions 1 and 2 were the two dimensions examined, as they both had Eigenvalues over 1. Dimension 1 can be taken as an indicator of the intensity of the disease. On dimension 2, length of hospitalization had the highest component loading (0.875). The mean hospital stay was 10.6 days in PRSD, 9.5 in left-sided perforations with primary anastomosis, and 16.2 days for those with a Hartmann's procedure. The overall peri-operative morbidity was 28% and there was no mortality in the series. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study seems to show a relatively high incidence of PRSD in a predominantly Afro-Caribbean population. More research is needed to determine the exact aetiology of this disease. In our experience, primary anastomosis in carefully selected patients with either PRSD or perforated left-sided diverticulitis (PLSD) may result in shorter hospitalization.

OBJETIVO: Presentamos un análisis exploratorio de la enfermedad diverticular perforada (EDP) en Barbados, y sugerimos posibles áreas de análisis ulterior. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron todos los casos de enfermedad diverticular perforada tratados en el Hospital Queen Elizabeth (QEH) de Barbados, entre enero 1 de 2005 y diciembre 31 de 2006. Mediante el análisis de componentes principales (ACP), se analizaron los siguientes: edad del paciente, género, localización de la enfermedad, estadio de Hinchey, procedimiento operatorio, tasa de colostomía inversa, tiempo de hospitalización, incidencia de morbilidad perioperatoria, y mortalidad postoperatoria. RESULTADOS: Catorce casos de EDP fueron tratados en el HQE durante este período. Seis (43%) de los pacientes presentaban diverticulitis del lado derecho perforada (DLDP). En el ACP, las dimensiones 1 y 2 fueron las dos dimensiones examinadas, ya que ambas tenían valores propios por encima de 1. La dimensión 1 puede tomarse como indicador de la intensidad de la enfermedad. En la dimensión 2, el tiempo de hospitalización tuvo la carga de componente más alta (0.875). La estadía promedio en el hospital fue de 10.6 días en los casos de DLDP, 9.5 en las perforaciones del lado izquierdo con anastomosis primaria, y 16.2 días para aquellos con procedimiento de Hartmann. La morbilidad perioperatoria fue 28% y no hubo mortalidad en la serie. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio preliminar parece mostrar una incidencia relativamente alta de DLDP en una población predominantemente afro-caribeña. Se necesita más investigación a fin de determinar la etiología exacta de esta enfermedad. En nuestra experiencia, la anastomosis primaria en pacientes cuidadosamente seleccionados, que sufren de DLDP o padecen diverticulitis del lado izquierdo perforada (DLIP), puede tener por resultado una hospitalización más corta.

Divertículo gigante del colon. Presentación de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Giant colonic diverticulum. Case report and review of the literature

Antecedentes: Los divertículos gigantes del colon tienen una baja incidencia. En la literatura consultada se han notificado solo algo más de 150 casos. La etiopatogenia es un problema aún no resuelto, las clasificaciones incluyen distintas patologías y no hay consenso acerca de la terapéutica más adecuada. Objetivo: Presentar un caso y realizar una revisión de la bibliografía referida al tema. Lugar de realización: Institución Privada Polivalente de Alta Complejidad. Diseño: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo. Población: Se analiza un paciente con divertículo gigante del colon izquierdo, cuya forma de presentación simuló un tumor de colon. Método: Presentación de caso y análisis de la bibliografía nacional e internacional referida al tema. Resultados: Paciente, operado en forma electiva con buena evolución postoperatoria.

Background: The giants colonic diverticula have low incidence. In the consulted literature something more than 150 cases has been notified. The etiopathogenesis is a still not solved problem. The classifications include different pathologies. There is no consensus brings over of the therapeutic more suitable. Objective: Presentation of case and bibliographical review. Place of application: Private polyvalent institution of high complexity. Design: Retrospective and observational study. Population: 1 patient is analyzed with giant diverticulum of left colon, which form of presentation simulate a left colon tumor. Method: Case presentation and analysis of the national and international bibliography referred to the topic. Results: Patient with good postoperatory evolution.