Diverticulosis today

Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2019 Mar;65(1):42-52. doi: 10.23736/S1121-421X.18.02525-4. Epub 2018 Oct 2.

Abstract

The incidence of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon is increasing worldwide. Although the majority of patients remains asymptomatic long-life, the prevalence of diverticular disease of the colon, including acute diverticulitis, is substantial and is becoming a significant burden on National Health Systems in terms of direct and indirect costs. Fiber, non-absorbable antibiotics and probiotics seem to be effective in treating symptomatic and uncomplicated patients, and 5-aminosalicylic acid might help prevent acute diverticulitis. Unfortunately, robust evidence on the effectiveness of a medical strategy to prevent acute diverticulitis recurrence is still lacking. Focus is now being drawn on identifying a new endoscopic classification of the disease to evaluate the correct therapeutic approach by testing various treatments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Diverticulitis / therapy
  • Diverticulum / diagnosis
  • Diverticulum / therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mesalamine / therapeutic use
  • Primary Prevention
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use
  • Rifaximin / therapeutic use
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Terminology as Topic

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Mesalamine
  • Rifaximin