Recent Trends in Treatment for Colonic Diverticular Bleeding in Japan

In both Western countries and in Japan, the incidence of colonic diverticular bleeding has increased with increased use of antithrombotic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Therefore, the Japan Gastroenterological Association issued guidelines for colonic diverticular bleeding and colonic diverticulitis in Japanese in 2017 and in English in 2019. However, the guidelines contain unresolved problems. Herein, we review the recent treatment trends for colonic diverticular bleeding in Japan.

Colonic diverticular bleeding necessitates frequent blood transfusions due to rebleeding, and patients require prolonged hospitalization. Endoscopic treatment plays an important role in treating diverticular bleeding. Currently, endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and endoscopic clipping are used in Japan for diverticular hemorrhage when the source of the hemorrhage is identified. EBL results in significantly lower early (<30 days) and 1-year rebleeding rates and long-term recurrence rates compared with endoscopic clipping. Furthermore, the proportion of patients requiring transcatheter arterial embolization or surgery after EBL is significantly lower than that following endoscopic clipping. Several reports state that EBL is superior to endoscopic clipping; however, EBL has associated complications, and it is necessary to carefully consider the individual patient. Key Messages: EBL is superior to endoscopic clipping regarding short- and long-term rebleeding rates and the rate of transition to surgery and embolization. Methods for preventing diverticular hemorrhage have not been established, but NSAIDs should be discontinued if possible. Prevention strategies for diverticular bleeding need to be evaluated in studies with large sample sizes.