Current Controversies in the Management of Diverticulitis: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic diverticular disease is challenging for patients, clinicians and health services. The prevalence increases with age and BMI and as such, the burden of this disease is set to increase with higher rates of acute presentations already documented. The natural history of recurrent episodes, complications and symptom progression is not fully understood. Furthermore, medical and surgical management strategies are under constant appraisal, debate and evolution.

METHODS: A review of the contemporary literature was performed to examine the emerging trend towards conservative treatment.

RESULTS: Routine use of in-patient, intravenous antibiotics may not be required and outpatient management is possible for certain patients. Universal colonoscopy examination after uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is controversial but is mandatory after complicated episodes. Recent, high-profile, clinical trials suggest that less aggressive surgical management of both acute and chronic presentations may be feasible in some cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Diverticulitis is a common yet challenging topic that demands clinicians to provide an individualised yet evidence-based approach.