Abstract :
Background: The normal pattern of acute colonic diverticulitis is still unknown, and prophylactic surgery after conservative treatment of diverticulitis is a topic of growing debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns and frequency of recurrences and the likelihood of complications in conservatively treated uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis in our epidemiological setting.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to investigate 98 inpatients admitted to Benghazi Medical Center with acute colonic diverticulitis, between February 2021 and August 2022. Acute diverticulitis discharge summaries were reviewed to identify eligible patients, and their medical records were meticulously reviewed retrospectively to confirm that their clinical presentation was consistent with colonic diverticulitis.
Results: A retrospective study of 98 patients with acute colonic diverticulitis found that uncomplicated diverticulitis was associated with younger age, better 2-year survival rates, and more conservative management. Recurrence rates were almost similar between uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis (23% vs. 25%) and typically occurred within 12 months of the initial attack. Surgical intervention was necessary for patients with perforations, while conservative management was used for other cases. Complications included abscesses in 44% of cases and perforations in 38% of cases.
Conclusion: This study found that acute diverticulitis has a low recurrence rate and a limited propensity for progression into complications. It is recommended that elective surgery is used as a preventive measure against recurrences and associated complications. These findings have implications for clinical practice.
Keyword :
Colonic diverticulitis, Conservative treatment, Elective surgical procedures, Natural history, Retrospective studies