¿Cómo diagnosticamos la diverticulitis aguda? Resultados de una encuesta nacional sobre el papel de las técnicas de imagen / How do we diagnose acute diverticulitis? Results of a national survey about the role of imaging techniques

Introducción: La elección de las técnicas de imagen en el diagnóstico de la diverticulitis aguda (DA) es un motivo de controversia. Los objetivos del estudio fueron conocer las preferencias de los radiólogos y el grado de utilización de las distintas técnicas en su manejo radiológico. Métodos: Se difundió una encuesta por Internet a través de la Sociedad Española de Diagnóstico por Imagen del Abdomen (SEDIA) y Twitter, con preguntas sobre ámbito de trabajo, protocolización, preferencias personales y la realidad asistencial en el manejo radiológico de la DA. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 186 respuestas. El 72% de los radiólogos encuestados trabaja en servicios organizados por «órgano y sistema» (S-OS). Existe protocolo de manejo de DA en un el 48% de los servicios, siendo en el 47,5% la ecografía la técnica de inicio. El 73% de los encuestados cree que la ecografía debería ser la primera opción diagnóstica, pero en realidad esto solo se efectúa en un 24% de los servicios, realizándose tomografía computarizada en el 32,8%, con diferencias significativas en horario de guardia. La clasificación más utilizada es la de Hinchey (75%). El 96% de los encuestados desearía un consenso de especialidad para utilizar la misma clasificación. Existe mayor tasa de protocolización, utilización de clasificaciones y mayor creencia en la ecografía como técnica inicial en S-OS y en hospitales con más de 500 camas. Conclusiones: Hay una gran variabilidad en el manejo radiológico de la DA, con divergencias en los protocolos utilizados y entre las opiniones de los radiólogos y la práctica clínica real.(AU)

Introduction: The choice of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis is controversial. This study aimed to determine radiologists’ preferences for different imaging techniques in the management of acute diverticulitis and the extent to which they use the different radiologic techniques for this purpose. Methods: An online survey was disseminated through the Spanish Society of Abdominal Imaging (Sociedad Española de Diagnóstico por Imagen del Abdomen (SEDIA)) and Twitter. The survey included questions about respondents’ working environments, protocolization, personal preferences, and actual practice in the radiological management of acute diverticulitis. Results: A total of 186 responses were obtained, 72% from radiologists working in departments organized by organ/systems. Protocols for managing acute diverticulitis were in force in 48% of departments. Ultrasonography was the initial imaging technique in 47.5%, and 73% of the respondents considered that ultrasonography should be the first-choice technique; however, in practice, ultrasonography was the initial imaging technique in only 24% of departments. Computed tomography was the first imaging technique in 32.8% of departments, and its use was significantly more common outside normal working hours. The most frequently employed classification was the Hinchey classification (75%). Nearly all (96%) respondents expressed a desire for a consensus within the specialty about using the same classification. Hospitals with>500 beds and those organized by organ/systems had higher rates of protocolization, use of classifications, and belief that ultrasonography is the best first-line imaging technique. Conclusions: The radiologic management of acute diverticulitis varies widely, with differences in the protocols used, radiologists’ opinions, and actual clinical practice.(AU)

How do we diagnose acute diverticulitis? Results of a national survey about the role of imaging techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The choice of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis is controversial. This study aimed to determine radiologists' preferences for different imaging techniques in the management of acute diverticulitis and the extent to which they use the different radiologic techniques for this purpose. METHODS: An online survey was disseminated through the Spanish Society of Abdominal Imaging (Sociedad Española de Diagnóstico por Imagen del Abdomen (SEDIA)) and Twitter. The survey included questions about respondents' working environments, protocolization, personal preferences, and actual practice in the radiological management of acute diverticulitis. RESULTS: A total of 186 responses were obtained, 72% from radiologists working in departments organized by organ/systems. Protocols for managing acute diverticulitis were in force in 48% of departments. Ultrasonography was the initial imaging technique in 47.5%, and 73% of the respondents considered that ultrasonography should be the first-choice technique; however, in practice, ultrasonography was the initial imaging technique in only 24% of departments. Computed tomography was the first imaging technique in 32.8% of departments, and its use was significantly more common outside normal working hours. The most frequently employed classification was the Hinchey classification (75%). Nearly all (96%) respondents expressed a desire for a consensus within the specialty about using the same classification. Hospitals with >500 beds and those organized by organ/systems had higher rates of protocolization, use of classifications, and belief that ultrasonography is the best first-line imaging technique. CONCLUSIONS: The radiologic management of acute diverticulitis varies widely, with differences in the protocols used, radiologists' opinions, and actual clinical practice.

Intervenciones de enfermería en pacientes con colostomía / Nursing interventions in patients with colostomies

Objetivo: Analizar las intervenciones de enfermería en pacientes con colostomía en el Hospital General Docente Ambato-Ecuador. Método: Descriptiva observacional en 12 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: El 47% del personal de enfermería encuestado si utiliza patrones funcionales para la valoración de su paciente. Conclusión: la recolección de información de las historias clínicas se obtuvo que la mayor parte de los pacientes que presentan colostomía son hombres, bordean una edad superior a los 53 años, y la causa principal son los traumatismos graves, a partir de la encuesta se identificó que la mayor parte del personal de enfermería conoce todo lo relacionado con la colostomía, incluyendo los cuidados, complicaciones, el tipo de bolsa de colostomía que se usa, entre otros.

Objective: To analyze nursing interventions in patients with colostomy at the Hospital General Docente Ambato-Ecuador. Method: Descriptive observational study in 12 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: 47% of the nursing staff surveyed used functional patterns for patient assessment. Conclusion: The collection of information from the medical records showed that most of the patients who present colostomy are men, they are over 53 years old, and the main cause is severe trauma, from the survey it was identified that most of the nursing staff knows everything related to colostomy, including care, complications, the type of colostomy bag used, among others.

Primary epiploic appendagitis: compared with diverticulitis and focused on obesity and recurrence.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is limited data to compare the clinical characteristics and recurrence rates between left-sided primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) versus left-sided acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD), and right-sided PEA versus right-sided ACD, respectively. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiologic images of the patients who presented with left-sided or right-sided acute abdominal pain and had computer tomography performed at the time of presentation showing radiological signs of PEA or ACD between January 2004 and December 2014. We compared the clinical characteristics of left PEA versus left ACD and right PEA versus right ACD, respectively. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (left:right = 27:29) and 308 patients (left:right = 24:284) were diagnosed with symptomatic PEA and ACD, respectively. Left-sided PEA were statistically significantly younger (50.2 ± 15.4 years vs. 62.1 ± 15.8 years, P= 0.009), more obese (body mass index [BMI]: 26.3 ± 2.9 kg/m2 vs. 22.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2 , P< 0.001), and had more tendencies with normal or mildly elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (1.2 ± 1.3 mg/dL vs. 8.4 ± 7.9 mg/dL, P< 0.001) than patients with left-sided ACD. The discriminative function of age, BMI and CRP between left-sided PEA versus left-sided ACD was 0.71 (cutoff: age ≤ 59 years, sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 77.8%), 0.83 (cutoff: BMI > 24.5 kg/m2 , sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 80.0%) and 0.80 (cutoff: CRP < 1.8 mg/dL, sensitivity of 72.2%, specificity of 85.7%). CONCLUSIONS: If patients with left lower quadrant abdominal pain are less than 60 years, obese (BMI > 24.5 kg/m2 ) with or without normal to mild elevated CRP levels (CRP < 1.8 mg/dL), it might be necessary for clinicians to suspect the diagnosis of PEA rather than ACD.

Hemoperitoneo secundario a diverticulitis del sigmoides / Hemoperitoneum secondary to sigmoid diverticulitis

RESUMEN La enfermedad diverticular colónica es la presencia de un divertículo no inflamado en el colon. Se considera una enfermedad común, que se caracteriza por la formación de divertículos falsos en la pared colónica en los puntos de debilidad de esta. Su prevalencia aumenta con la edad y una minoría de los pacientes afectados por esta entidad desarrollará un cuadro de diverticulitis aguda. Sus complicaciones abarcan desde un absceso o flegmón, pasa por la formación de fístulas hasta la obstrucción intestinal y peritonitis. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de un hemoperitoneo espontáneo secundario a una enfermedad diverticular aguda es una forma de presentación inusual y, por tanto, poco reportado en la literatura. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con hemoperitoneo secundario a la perforación diverticular colónica.

SUMMARY Colonic diverticular disease is the term to describe the presence of an uninflamed diverticulum of the colon. It is considered a common disease, characterized by the formation of false diverticula in the colonic wall at points of weakness of that, its prevalence increases with age and a minority of patients affected by this disease develops acute diverticulitis. Its complications range from abscess or phlegmon, fistula formation, to intestinal obstruction and peritonitis. However, the development of spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to acute diverticular disease is an unusual form of presentation and therefore scarcely reported in the literature. Here is presented a case with a hemoperitoneum secondary to colonic diverticular perforation.

CT research progresses of colonic diverticulitis / 中国医学影像技术

Colonic diverticulitis is the most common complication of colonic diverticulosis with an increase in prevalence with aged population. CT provides the details, complications and staging, therefore guiding the treatment of colonic diverticulitis. CT research progresses of colonic diverticulitis were reviewed in this paper.

Primary epiploic appendagitis: compared with diverticulitis and focused on obesity and recurrence

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is limited data to compare the clinical characteristics and recurrence rates between left-sided primary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) versus left-sided acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD), and right-sided PEA versus right-sided ACD, respectively.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiologic images of the patients who presented with left-sided or right-sided acute abdominal pain and had computer tomography performed at the time of presentation showing radiological signs of PEA or ACD between January 2004 and December 2014. We compared the clinical characteristics of left PEA versus left ACD and right PEA versus right ACD, respectively.RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (left:right = 27:29) and 308 patients (left:right = 24:284) were diagnosed with symptomatic PEA and ACD, respectively. Left-sided PEA were statistically significantly younger (50.2 ± 15.4 years vs. 62.1 ± 15.8 years, P= 0.009), more obese (body mass index [BMI]: 26.3 ± 2.9 kg/m² vs. 22.3 ± 3.1 kg/m² , P< 0.001), and had more tendencies with normal or mildly elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (1.2 ± 1.3 mg/dL vs. 8.4 ± 7.9 mg/dL, P< 0.001) than patients with left-sided ACD. The discriminative function of age, BMI and CRP between left-sided PEA versus left-sided ACD was 0.71 (cutoff: age ≤ 59 years, sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 77.8%), 0.84 (cutoff: BMI > 24.5 kg/m² , sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 80.0%) and 0.80 (cutoff: CRP < 1.8 mg/dL, sensitivity of 72.2%, specificity of 85.7%).CONCLUSIONS: If patients with left lower quadrant abdominal pain are less than 60 years, obese (BMI > 24.5 kg/m² ) with or without normal to mild elevated CRP levels (CRP < 1.8 mg/dL), it might be necessary for clinicians to suspect the diagnosis of PEA rather than ACD.

Perforated sigmoid diverticulitis: Hartmann's procedure or resection with primary anastomosis-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical management of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis and generalised peritonitis is challenging. Surgical resection is the established standard of care. However, there is debate as to whether a primary anastomosis (PA) or a Hartmann's procedure (HP) should be performed. The aim of the present study was to perform a review of the literature comparing HP to PA for the treatment of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis with generalised peritonitis. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed for articles published up to March 2018. We considered only randomised control trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of sigmoidectomy with PA versus HP in adults with perforated sigmoid diverticulitis and generalised peritonitis (Hinchey III or IV). Primary outcomes were mortality and permanent stoma rate. Outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model to estimate the risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of the 1,204 potentially relevant articles, 3 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis with 254 patients in total (116 and 138 in the PA and HP groups, respectively). All three RCTs had significant limitations including small size, lack of blinding and possible selection bias. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality or overall morbidity. Although 2 out of the 3 trials reported a lower permanent stoma rate in the PA arm, the difference in permanent stoma rates was not statistically significant (RR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.14-1.16). The incidence of anastomotic leaks, including leaks after stoma reversal, was not statistically different between PA and HP (RR = 1.42, 95% CI 0.41-4.87, p = 0.58) while risk of a postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was lower after PA than after HP (RR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.96, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: PA and HP appear to be equivalent in terms of most outcomes of interest, except for a lower intra-abdominal abscess risk after PA. The latter finding needs further investigation as it was not reported in any of the individual trials. However, given the limitations of the included RCTs, no firm conclusion can be drawn on which is the best surgical option in patients with generalised peritonitis due to diverticular perforation.

What radiologists should know about tomographic evaluation of acute diverticulitis of the colon.

Acute diverticulitis of the colon is a common indication for computed tomography, and its diagnosis and complications are essential to determining the proper treatment and establishing the prognosis. The adaptation of the surgical classification for computed tomography has allowed the extent of intestinal inflammation to be established, the computed tomography findings correlating with the indication for treatment. In addition, computed tomography has proven able to distinguish among the main differential diagnoses of diverticulitis. This pictorial essay aims to present the computed tomography technique, main radiological signs, major complications, and differential diagnoses, as well as to review the classification of acute diverticulitis.

A diverticulite aguda dos cólons é uma indicação frequente de exame tomográfico, sendo o seu diagnóstico e das suas complicações fundamental para determinar uma adequada conduta terapêutica e estabelecer o prognóstico. A adaptação da classificação cirúrgica para a tomografia computadorizada permitiu estabelecer a extensão do processo inflamatório intestinal, correlacionando o quadro tomográfico com a indicação de tratamento. Além disto, a tomografia computadorizada tem demonstrado ser capaz de distinguir os principais diagnósticos diferenciais da diverticulite aguda dos cólons. Este ensaio iconográfico tem por objetivo apresentar a técnica de exame tomográfico, os principais sinais radiológicos, e revisar a classificação e as principias complicações e diagnósticos diferenciais da diverticulite aguda dos cólons.

What radiologists should know about tomographic evaluation of acute diverticulitis of the colon / O que o radiologista deve saber na avaliação tomográfica da diverticulite aguda dos cólons

Abstract Acute diverticulitis of the colon is a common indication for computed tomography, and its diagnosis and complications are essential to determining the proper treatment and establishing the prognosis. The adaptation of the surgical classification for computed tomography has allowed the extent of intestinal inflammation to be established, the computed tomography findings correlating with the indication for treatment. In addition, computed tomography has proven able to distinguish among the main differential diagnoses of diverticulitis. This pictorial essay aims to present the computed tomography technique, main radiological signs, major complications, and differential diagnoses, as well as to review the classification of acute diverticulitis.

Resumo A diverticulite aguda dos cólons é uma indicação frequente de exame tomográfico, sendo o seu diagnóstico e das suas complicações fundamental para determinar uma adequada conduta terapêutica e estabelecer o prognóstico. A adaptação da classificação cirúrgica para a tomografia computadorizada permitiu estabelecer a extensão do processo inflamatório intestinal, correlacionando o quadro tomográfico com a indicação de tratamento. Além disto, a tomografia computadorizada tem demonstrado ser capaz de distinguir os principais diagnósticos diferenciais da diverticulite aguda dos cólons. Este ensaio iconográfico tem por objetivo apresentar a técnica de exame tomográfico, os principais sinais radiológicos, e revisar a classificação e as principias complicações e diagnósticos diferenciais da diverticulite aguda dos cólons.

Enfermedad diverticular: mitos y realidades / Diverticular disease: myths and realities

Diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon are common conditions in Western countries. The incidence and prevalence of these diseases are increasing and becoming significant for health systems. A growing body of knowledge is shifting the paradigm of the pathogenesis and treatment of diverticular disease. Low-grade inflammation, altered intestinal microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal colonic motility have been identified as factors leading to diverticular disease. The risk of developing diverticulitis among individuals with diverticulosis is lower than 10 to 25%. Studies indicate that diverticular disease may become a chronic disorder in some patients, not merely an acute illness. Contrary to the advice from international guidelines, studies have not shown that a high-fiber diet protects against diverticulosis. The evidence about the use of antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis is sparse and of low quality. In relation to surgery, studies support a more conservative approach to prophylactic surgery in patients with recurrent disease or chronic symptoms. Finally, new pathophysiological knowledge suggests that other treatments may be useful (mesalamine, rifaximin and probiotics). However, more research is necessary to validate the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these strategies.

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...

Procedimiento de Hartmann vs resección y anastomosis primaria en peritonitis diverticular de colon izquierdo por cirugía abierta: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Hartmann’s procedure and resection with primary anastomosis in diverticular peritonitis

Introduction: colonic diverticulosis, as diverticulitis, is a frequent disease in different stages of evolution. There is uncertainty about treatment options that are used in secondary peritonitis. The aim of this study is to determine the best treatment option for patients with peritonitis secondary to diverticulitis of the left colon in terms of postoperative morbidity (POM) and mortality, comparing Hartmann's procedure (HP) and resection with primary anastomosis (RPA). Material and Methods: systematic review. Studies in adults with peritonitis secondary to diverticulitis of the left colon treated with HP and RPA published between 1990 and 2011 were analyzed. TRIPDATABSE, IWO, MEDLINE, SciELO and LILACS databases were consulted and search strategies were applied using MeSH and free terms. Selected studies were analyzed using a score of methodological quality (MQ). The following variables were considered: mortality, POM, hospital stay, percentage of bowel transit reconstitution in patients undergoing HP and MQ of primary studies. Results: 26 primary studies were analyzed (47 series). There were no significant differences in the variable mortality (p = 0.0805), but significant difference was observed in POM (incompletely reported) (p = 0.0187). The median of MQ of the studies was 11 points for HP series and 10 for RPA series. Conclusion: the available evidence to determine the best treatment option in terms of mortality and POM in this kind of patients is insufficient. Studies with better level evidence and MQ are needed to clarify the uncertain.

Introducción: la enfermedad diverticular del colon es una entidad frecuente, como también la diverticulitis en sus diferentes estadios de evolución. Existe incertidumbre respecto de las opciones terapéuticas que se utilizan en el tratamiento de la peritonitis diverticular de colon izquierdo (PDCI). El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la mejor opción de tratamiento para pacientes con PDCI entre procedimiento de Hart-mann (PH) y resección con anastomosis primaria (RAP), en términos de mortalidad y morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO). Material y Método: revisión sistemática de la literatura. Se analizaron estudios realizados en adultos con PDCI tratados con PH y RAP, publicados entre 1990 y 2011. Se consultó en las bases de datos TRIPDATABSE, IWO, MEDLINE, SciELO y LILACS, utilizando estrategias de búsqueda con términos MeSH, palabras libres y operadores booleanos. Los estudios seleccionados fueron analizados mediante un escore de calidad metodológica (CM). Se consideraron las variables mortalidad, MPO, estadía hospitalaria, porcentaje de reconstitución de tránsito en pacientes sometidos a PH y CM de los estudios primarios. Resultados: se analizaron 26 estudios primarios (47 series de pacientes). No se encontraron diferencias significativas respecto de la variable mortalidad (p = 0,0805); pero sí en la variable MPO, reportada de forma incompleta (p = 0,0187). La mediana de la CM de los estudios primarios fue de 11 puntos para las series de PH y de 10 para las de RAP. Conclusión: la evidencia disponible no permite determinar la mejor alternativa terapéutica en términos de mortalidad y MPO en este tipo de pacientes. Se requieren estudios de mejor nivel de evidencia y CM para aclarar esta incertidumbre.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of Colonic Diverticulitis in Young Patients / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinical course and the most appropriate management of colonic diverticulitis in young patients are currently unresolved. This retrospective study was designed to compare young patients (40 years) regarding clinical characteristics of acute colonic diverticulitis and to determine whether differences exist in treatment outcome. METHODS: Three-hundred sixty eight patients presenting with acute colonic diverticulitis from March 2001 through April 2011 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The differences in clinical characteristics, treatment modality and recurrence between each group were analyzed. RESULTS: Two-hundred and six patients were aged 40 years or younger and 162 patients were older than 40 years. The older group was diagnosed more frequently with severe diverticulitis. Surgical treatment was significantly more frequent in the older group than in the younger group (15.4% vs. 4.4%, p<0.001). No significant difference was found in treatment modality between the two groups in patients with recurrence. The difference in recurrence between groups was not statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, left colonic diverticulitis was significantly associated with severe diverticulitis (OR, 14.651; 95% CI, 4.829-44.457) and emergency surgery (OR, 13.745; 95% CI, 4.390-43.031). CONCLUSIONS: When patients with colonic diverticulitis are treated conservatively, young age is no longer an independent risk factor for subsequent poor outcome. Diverticulitis in young patients does not have a particularly aggressive or fulminant course. Therefore, we recommend that diverticulitis management should be based on the severity and location of the disease, and not on the age of the patient.

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.

Diverticulitis: Focused on Clinical Course and Relapse

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are a limited number of studies concerning the outcomes of diverticulitis in the Oriental population. We sought to evaluate the clinical features and the long-term outcomes of diverticulitis in Korean patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical courses of 104 patients (59 men, 45 women; median age 48.5 years [range: 24-83 years]) hospitalized for their first episode of diverticulitis between 1989 and 2005. RESULTS: Right-sided diverticulitis was more common (71/104, 68%). However, the proportion of left-sided diverticulitis increased as age increased. Thirty-two patients underwent operations: 30 because of complications and 2 because of presumed appendicitis. Left-sided diverticulitis was an independent risk factor for complications (OR=7.6, p<0.001), and it required surgical treatment more often than right-sided diverticulitis did (61% vs. 17%, p<0.001). Eighty-five patients were followed for a median of 36 months. Four of the 62 medically treated patients developed recurrence of diverticulitis, with a 3-year cumulative recurrence rate of 4.8%. None of the 4 recurrences showed complications, and all were successfully managed using conservative treatment. No predictive factors for the recurrence of diverticulitis could be determined. CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence rate and risk of complications associated with recurrence are low in patients treated conservatively for the first episode of diverticulitis. Therefore, elective surgery to prevent recurrence and complications should be utilized sparingly in patients with diverticulitis.

Clinical Characteristics of Colonic Diverticular Disease Diagnosed with Colonoscopy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although colonic diverticular disease is less common in Koreans than in Western people, its incidence has been on the increase in Korea. We investigated the clinical characteristics and related complications of colonic diverticular disease in Koreans. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 9,006 patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Seoul Paik hospital between July 2002 and January 2008. RESULTS: Of the 9,006 patients, there were 654 cases (7.3%) of colonic diverticulosis (472 men, 182 women). The mean age of the patients was 54.6+/-12.0 years. The right colon was involved in 535 cases, the left colon was involved in 86 cases and both the left and right colon was involved in 33 cases. Among the patients, a single diverticulum was seen in 253 cases and two or more diverticuli were seen in 401 cases. Related complications were diverticulitis (11 cases, 1.7%) and diverticular bleeding (3 cases, 0.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of colonic diverticular disease in Korea shows an increasing trend. Colonic diverticular lesions are frequently found in the right colon.