Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: July 12, 2018
Long-term evolution of acute colonic diverticulitis after successful medical treatment
Loris Trenti1, Esther Kreisler, Ana Galvez
1Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Colorectal Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital and Idibell, University of Barcelona, C/ Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
The evidence is sparse concerning the natural history of acute diverticulitis after successful conservative management. This observational study aimed to evaluate the rate, severity, and need of surgery for recurrence after a first episode of acute diverticulitis successfully managed conservatively.
Methods:
All patients admitted for acute diverticulitis between 1994 and 2011 were considered for inclusion in the study. Severity of the first episode, demographic data, comorbidities, management, recurrence, and elective or emergency surgery during the follow-up period were prospectively recorded.
Results:
The study included 560 patients. The mean follow-up period was of 67.2 ± 44.4 months. Severe diverticulitis was diagnosed in 22.3 % of the cases. Recurrence was observed in 14.8 % of the patients, and the rate of severe recurrence was 3.4 %. Most of the recurrences occurred during the first year of follow-up evaluation. Chronic corticoid therapy (P = 0.043) and the presence of more than one abscess (P < 0.001) were significantly related to recurrence. In the event of a mild recurrence, the first episode was either mild or severe (P = 0.172). In the case of severe recurrence, most patients presented with a previous severe diverticulitis (P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, 6.8 % of the patients needed an elective operation, and 1.4 % of them underwent emergency surgery.
Conclusion:
The rate of severe recurrence after successful nonoperative management of acute diverticulitis was low, and emergency surgery was rare. Prophylactic surgery, even in cases of recovered severe diverticulitis, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Strict follow-up assessment during the first year is advised.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diverticular Disease of the Colon
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...