Early discharge policy of patients with acute colonic diverticulitis following initial CT scan

Diverticulitis develops in 15-20% of individuals with diverticulosis. Severity ranges from mild to severe. Mild diverticulitis is uncomplicated confined per colonic inflammation commonly treated conservatively. Recent literature suggests it could be managed in an outpatient setup.

To determine if patients with mild acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) on early CT scan can be treated and discharged at an early time.

Retrospective review of patient's charts admitted during 2005 with ACD confirmed by CT scan performed within 24 h of admission. Severity of ACD was determined according to CT classification.

Forty-two (31 women, 11 men) patients included, mean age 66 years, CT severity classification: 61.9% mild, 7.1% moderate, and 31.0% severe diverticulitis. Patients with mild ACD were discharged safely, had no recurrence of their symptoms, and needed no readmission within 6 months of follow-up.

Patients with mild ACD on CT scan performed within 24 h could be safely discharged and treated according to protocols of outpatient management of diverticulitis.