Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis: key points for early management. A single-centre retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is typically managed with antibiotics and hospitalization.
• Recent guidelines suggest selective antibiotic use and early discharge for low-risk AUD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify serological inflammatory markers and CT findings correlating with the need for inpatient vs. outpatient management of AUD.
• To aid in early management stratification for AUD patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of patients undergoing abdominal CT for suspected AUD (January 2016-2019).
• Analysis of biochemical and radiological parameters at disease onset.
• Comparison of inpatient vs. outpatient management pathways.

Main Results:

• 65% of AUD patients were hospitalized (mean stay 6.94 days), while 35% were managed as outpatients (mean stay 3.39 days).
• Higher C-reactive protein levels and greater colon segment involvement (%) were significantly associated with hospitalization (p=0.03).

Conclusions:

• Biochemical markers and CT-determined colon involvement can stratify AUD patients at admission.
• These findings support physician decision-making for early AUD management, potentially reducing hospital stays.