Standardization of international diverticular disease definitions

The purpose of this study was to achieve international expert consensus on definitions describing diverticular disease and its associated disease processes to establish a standardized nomenclature applicable to both clinical practice and research within colorectal surgery.

This was a cross-sectional survey. The research team developed initial definitions through a search of online diverticular disease literature. Definitions were refined through extensive beta testing, resulting in definitions for the survey. The survey was distributed through snowball methodology to global experts who have experience treating diverticular disease. Participants were given the option to provide feedback via free text on a definition if they disagreed with it. Based on prior definition consensus studies, an 80% agreement threshold was used to reach consensus. Demographic data was also collected from respondents.

Two hundred and four completed responses were received following survey distribution. Based on the survey results, each proposed definition met consensus agreement. The median years of practice among respondents were 12 years. Most identified as surgical physicians (n = 178, 87.3%), while 23 (11.3%) identified as medical physicians. The most represented countries among respondents were the United States (n = 100, 49.0%), the United Kingdom (n = 65, 31.9%) and Canada (n = 13, 6.4%).

The study revealed consensus from various healthcare providers across the world. Some definitions had higher agreement than others, revealing a need to investigate the nuances of certain definitions further. These standardizations of common diverticulitis terms will enhance research by increasing generalizability, as well as improve clinical communication between patients and providers with consistent definitions.