Prior abdominal surgery as a potential risk factor for colonic diverticulosis or diverticulitis

BACKGROUND Abnormal colonic pressure profiles have been associated with an increased risk of colonic diverticulosis.A surgical history is a known risk factor for abdominal adhesions and these may lead to increased intraluminal colonic pressure.AIM To assess whether previous abdominal surgery is associated with colonic divertic-ulosis or diverticulitis.METHODS We analyzed data from a study of patients undergoing colonoscopy for different indications from 2020 through 2021.Patients completed a structured question-naire concerning previous abdominal surgeries,dietary and lifestyle exposures including smoking,alcohol use and co-morbidities.RESULTS Three hundred and fifty-nine patients were included in the study.The mean age was 67.6 and 46%were females.Diabetes mellitus,hypertension,ischemic heart disease,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,chronic renal failure,and body mass index were similar in the diverticulosis and control groups.The overall prevalence of colonic diverticulosis was 25%(91/359)and 48%of the patients had previous abdominal surgery.As expected,the prevalence of diverticulosis increased with age.There was no difference in the rate of previous abdominal surgery between patients with or without diverticulosis(49%vs 47%,P=0.78).In regards to specific surgeries,inguinal hernia repair was significantly associated with diverticulosis(52%vs 20%,P=0.001),but not diverticulitis.In contrast,appendectomy was not associated with diverticulosis(6%vs 14%,P=0.048).CONCLUSION These findings suggest that post-operative abdominal adhesions inducing high colonic intraluminal pressures do not appear to be the mechanism for diverticula formation.Rather,inguinal hernia and diverticulosis may share similar connective tissue pathologies with no causative relationship between them.

Pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis:Analysis of 2877 barium enemas in Thailand

AIM:To determine the pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis in Thai adults.METHODS:A review of the computerized radiology database for double contrast barium enema(DCBE)in Thai adults was performed at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital,Mahidol University,Bangkok,Thailand.Incomplete studies and DCBE examinations performed in non-Thai individuals were excluded.The pattern and distribution of colonic diverticulosis detected during DCBE studies from June 2009 to October 2011 were determined.The occurrence of solitary cecal diverticulum,rectal diverticulum and giant diverticulum were reported.Factors influencing the presence of colonic diverticulosis were evaluated.RESULTS:A total of 2877 suitable DCBE examinations were retrospectively reviewed.The mean age of patients was 59.8±14.7 years.Of these patients,1778(61.8%)were female and 700(24.3%)were asymptomatic.Colonic diverticulosis was identified in 820patients(28.5%).Right-sided diverticulosis(641 cases;22.3%)was more frequently reported than left-sided diverticulosis(383 cases;13.3%).Pancolonic diverticulosis was found in 98 cases(3.4%).The occurrence of solitary cecal diverticulum,rectal diverticulum and giant diverticulum were 1.5%(42 cases),0.4%(12 cases),and 0.03%(1 case),respectively.There was no significant difference in the overall occurrence of colonic diverticulosis between male and female patients(28.3%vs 28.6%,P=0.85).DCBE examinations performed in patients with some gastrointestinal symptoms revealed the frequent occurrence of colonic diverticulosis compared with those performed in asymptomatic individuals(29.5%vs 25.3%,P=0.03).Change in bowel habit was strongly associated with the presence of diverticulosis(a relative risk of 1.39;P=0.005).The presence of diverticulosis was not correlated with age in symptomatic patients or asymptomatic individuals(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Colonic diverticulosis was identified in28.5%of DCBE examinations in Thai adults.There was no association between the presence of diverticulosis and gender or age.

Prevalence and clinical features of colonic diverticulosis in a Middle Eastern population

AIM: To determine the prevalence, location, associations and clinical features of colonic-diverticulosis and its role as a cause of lower-gastroenterology-bleeding. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3649 consecutive patients who under-went a colonoscopy for all indications between 2007 and 2011 at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The demographic data were collected retrospectively through the hospital's information system, electronic file system, endoscopic e-reports, and manual review of the files by two research assistants. The demographic information included the age, sex, comorbidities and indication for the colonoscopy. The association among colonic polyps, comorbidities and diverticular disease was also measured.RESULTS: A total of 270 patients out of 3649 were diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis, with a prevalence of 7.4%. The mean age was 60.82 years ± 0.833, (range 12-110). Females comprised 38.89% (95%CI: 33-44.7) of the study population. The major symp-toms were rectal bleeding in 33.6%, abdominal pain in 19.3%, constipation in 12.8% and anemia in 6%. Diverticula were predominantly left-sided (sigmoid and descending colon) in 62%, right-sided in 13% and in multiple locations in 25%. There was an association between the presence of diverticulosis and adenomatous polyps (Pvalue < 0.001), hypertension (P-value < 0.0001) and diabetes mellitus (P-value < 0.0016). Diverticular disease was the second most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, in 33.6% (95%CI: 27.7-39.4), after internal hemor-rhoids, in 44.6% (95%CI: 40.3-48.9). On multivariable logistic regression, hypertension (OR = 2.30; 95%CI: 1.29-4.10), rectal bleeding (OR = 2.57; 95%CI: 1.50-4.38), and per year increment in age (OR = 1.05; 95%CI: 1.03-1.07) were associated with diverticulosis but not with bleeding diverticular disease. Limitations: A small proportion of the patients included had colo-noscopies performed as a screening test.CONCLUSION: Colonic-diverticulosis was found to have a low prevalence, be predominantly left-sided and associated with adenomatous-polyps. Age, hypertension and rectal bleeding predict the presence of diverticular disease.

Segmental colitis associated diverticulosis syndrome

Segmental colitis associated diverticulosis(SCAD) has become increasingly appreciated as a form of inflammatory disease of the colon. Several features suggest that SCAD is a distinct disorder. SCAD tends to develop almost exclusively in older adults, predominately, but not exclusively, males. The inflammatory process occurs mainly in the sigmoid colon, and usually remains localized to this region of the colon alone. SCAD most often presents with rectal bleeding and subsequent endoscopic visualization reveals a well localized process with non-specific histopathologic inflammatory changes. Granulomas are not seen, and if present, may be helpful in definition of other disorders such as Crohn's disease of the colon, an entity often confused with SCAD. Bacteriologic and parasitic studies for an infectious agent are negative. Normal rectal mucosa(i.e., "rectal sparing") is present and can be confirmed with normal rectal biopsies. SCAD often resolves spontaneously without treatment, or completely after a limited course of therapy with only a 5-aminosalicylate. Recurrent episodes may occur, but most often, patients with this disorder have an entirely self-limited clinical course. Occasionally, treatment with other agents, including corticosteroids, or surgical resection has been required.

Prevalence of diverticulosis in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

AIM:To re-evaluate the theory that colonic diverticulosis is associated with relapse of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) in light of data suggesting increasing rates of CDAD infection and relapse.METHODS: Charts were reviewed for patients with recurrent CDAD who had also had a prior colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. An age and gender matched control group was used to compare the prevalence of diverticulosis.RESULTS: Twenty-two patients met the study criteria, and the prevalence of diverticulosis in patients with CDAD relapse was 23% compared to 32% in age and sex matched controls (P=0.44). A significant proportion of patients with CDAD relapse had comorbidities associated with immune suppression.CONCLUSION: Diverticulosis does not appear to be associated with CDAD relapse.

Age, alcohol, sex, and metabolic factors as risk factors for colonic diverticulosis

BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of colonic diverticulosis is not well understood.Moreover,only a few studies on colonic diverticulosis have been reported in China's Mainland.AIM To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for asymptomatic colorectal diverticulosis in Eastern China.METHODS From August 2016 to July 2020,6180 asymptomatic individuals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study.These individuals had undergone physical examinations,laboratory testing,and colonoscopy.Data regarding the baseline characteristics and their general health status were obtained through interviews.RESULTS The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis was 7.3%(449/6180).Colonic diverticulosis was detected predominantly on the right side of the colon(88.4%).Logistic regression analysis revealed that an age≥60 years(adjusted odds ratio[OR]2.149,95%confidence interval[CI]1.511-3.057,P<0.001),male sex(adjusted OR:1.878,95%CI:1.373-2.568,P<0.001),obesity(adjusted OR:1.446,95%CI:1.100-1.902,P=0.008),alcohol intake(adjusted OR:1.518,95%CI:1.213-1.901,P<0.001),hypertension(adjusted OR:1.454,95%CI:1.181-1.789,P<0.001),hypertriglyceridemia(adjusted OR:1.287,95%CI:1.032-1.607,P=0.025),and hyperuricemia(adjusted OR:1.570,95%CI:1.257-1.961,P<0.001)significantly increased the risk of colonic diverticulosis.CONCLUSION Advanced age,male sex,alcohol intake,obesity,and other metabolic-related factors,such as hypertension,hypertriglyceridemia,and hyperuricemia,were independent risk factors for colonic diverticulosis.Understanding the true prevalence of colonic diverticulosis and its associated risk factors will aid in its prevention and treatment.

Recurrent small bowel obstruction secondary to jejunal diverticular enterolith: A case report

BACKGROUND Small bowel diverticulosis is an uncommon condition which is usually asymptomatic and is discovered incidentally. One rare complication is enteroliths forming in the diverticula causing bowel obstruction. Only a few cases of such have been described in literature, and recurrence from this aetiology has not been reported previously. This case report outlines the management of a 68-year-old male who presented with recurrent small bowel obstruction secondary to jejunal diverticular enterolith impaction, seven months following a previous episode.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old male presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction.Computed tomography(CT) of the abdomen demonstrated small bowel obstruction from an enterolith formed in one of his extensive jejunal diverticula. He required a laparotomy, an enterotomy proximal to the enterolith, removal of the enterolith, closure of the enterotomy, and resection of a segment of perforated ileum with stapled side-to-side anastomosis. Seven months later, he represented to emergency department with similar symptoms. Another CT scan of his abdomen revealed a recurrent small bowel obstruction secondary to enterolith impaction. He underwent another laparotomy in which it was evident that a large enterolith was impacted at the afferent limb of the previous small bowel anastomosis. A part of the anastomosis was excised to allow removal of the enterolith and the defect was closed with cutting linear stapler. In the following two years, the patient did not have a recurrent episode of enterolith-related bowel obstruction.CONCLUSION The pathophysiology underlying enterolith formation is unclear, so it is difficult to predict if or when enteroliths may form and cause bowel obstruction. More research could provide advice to prevent recurrent enterolith formation and its sequelae.

Small bowel volvulus with jejunal diverticulum: Primary or secondary?

Small bowel volvulus,which is torsion of the small bowel and its mesentery,is a medical emergency,and is categorized as primary or secondary type. Primary type often occurs without any apparent intrinsic anatomical anomalies,while the secondary type is common clinically and could be caused by numerous factors including postoperative adhesions,intestinal diverticulum,and/or tumors. Here,we report a rare case of a 60-year-old man diagnosed with small bowel volvulus using multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) angiography. Further discovery by laparotomy showed one jejunal diverticulum,longer corresponding mesentery with a narrower insertion,and a lack of mesenteric fat. This case report includes several etiological factors of small bowel volvulus,and we discuss the possible cause of small bowel volvulus in this patient. We also highlight the importance of MDCT angiography in the diagnosis of volvulus and share our experience in treating this disease.

Surgical management of colonic diverticular disease:Discrepancy between right- and left-sided diseases

AIM:To compare the outcome of the surgical management of left-sided and right-sided diverticular disease.METHODS:The medical records of 77 patients who were surgically treated for diverticular disease between 1999 and 2010 in a tertiary referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed.The study population was limited to cases wherein the surgical specimen was confirmed as diverticulosis by pathology.Rightsided diverticula were classified as those arising from the cecum,ascending colon,and transverse colon,and those from the descending colon,sigmoid colon,and rectum were classified as left-sided diverticulosis.To assess the changing trend of occurrence of diverticulosis,data were compared with two previous studies of 51 patients.RESULTS:The proportion of left-sided disease cases was significantly increased compared to the results of our previous studies in 1994 and 2001,(27.5%vs48.1%,P<0.05).Moreover,no differences in gender,body mass index,multiplicity of the diverticula,fever,or leukocytosis were noted between patients with rightsided and left-sided disease.However,patients with right-sided disease were significantly younger(50.9year vs 64.0 year,P<0.01).Furthermore,left-sided disease was significantly associated with a higher incidence of complicated diverticulitis(89.2%vs 57.5%,P<0.01),combined resection due to extensive inflammation(21.6%vs 5.0%,P<0.05),operative complications(51.4%vs 27.5%,P<0.05),and in-hospital mortality(10.8%vs 0%,P<0.05),along with longer post-operative hospitalization duration(21.3±10.2 d vs 10.6±8.1 d,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Compared with right-sided diverticular disease,the incidence of left-sided disease in Korea has increased since 2001 and is associated with worse surgical outcomes.

Colonoscopy can miss diverticula of the left colon identified by barium enema

AIM: To identify the diagnostic value of colonoscopy for diverticulosis as determined by barium enema. METHODS: A total of 65 patients with hematochezia who underwent colonoscopy and barium enema were analyzed, and the diagnostic value of colonoscopy for diverticula was assessed. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was compared in relation to age (< 70 or ≥ 70 years), sex, and colon location. The number of diverticula was counted, and the detection ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Colonic diverticula were observed in 46 patients with barium enema. Colonoscopy had a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 90%. No significant differences were found in the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) for age group or sex. The ROC-AUC of the left colon was significantly lower than that of the right colon (0.81 vs 0.96, P=0.02). Colonoscopy identified 486 colonic diverticula, while barium enema identified 1186. The detection ratio for the entire colon was therefore 0.41 (486/1186). The detection ratio in the left colon (0.32, 189/588) was significantly lower than that of the right colon (0.50, 297/598) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Compared with barium enema, only half the number of colonic diverticula can be detected by colonoscopy in the entire colon and even less in the left colon.

Laparoscopic total colectomy: Does the indication influence the outcome?

AIM: To assess and compare outcomes of laparoscopic total colectomy performed for a variety of indications. METHODS: Sixty six patients underwent laparoscopic total colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (13) and other diseases (53). Data on demographics, pre and post-operative outcomes were collected prospectively.RESULTS: Mean operative time was 4.5 h. Conversion rate was 13.6%. Total colectomy performed for IBD was associated with a signifi cantly higher anastomotic leak rate (23.1% vs 1.9%, P < 0.05). On univariate analysis, hand sewn anastomosis and treatment with more than 20 mg of prednisolone for at least 3 mo was associated with a higher anastomotic leak rate (P < 0.05). No signifi cant difference was found in return of gut function and overall morbidity between disease groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic total colectomy is feasible and outcomes are equivalent whatever the indica- tion, except for anastomotic leak rate which is higher for patients with IBD.

Accuracy of community based video capsule endoscopy in patients undergoing follow up double balloon enteroscopy

AIM: To determine the test characteristics of community based video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in patients undergoing sequential VCE and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). METHODS: Eighty-nine patients (34 females, 55 males, mean age 66) who underwent both VCE and DBE from 2008-2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Lesions detected at VCE were categorized. Capsule directed DBE followed and included 44 antegrade, 11 retrograde and 34 combined antegrade and retrograde procedures. Lesions detected were compared utilizing the McNemar's test. RESULTS: Angioectasia detection with VCE was 25% and with DBE 35% (P < 0.03) with a calculated sensitivity and specificity of 58% and 93% respectively. Polyps were detected by VCE in 22% and in DBE 20%, (P = 0.6), with a sensitivity and specificity for VCE of 61% and 87%. Small bowel diverticula were only seen in 1% of VCE but in 12% of DBE patients (P < 0.002) with a calculated sensitivity and specificity of VCE of 9% and 100%. CONCLUSION: VCE would be moderately sensitiveand specific overall with considerable variation by lesion. Furthermore, VCE cannot be relied upon to diagnose small bowel diverticula.

Small intestine diverticula:Is there anything new?

AIM:To globally approach the clinical entity of small bowel diverticulosis and, at the same time, set out the treatment options. METHODS: We analysed 77 cases of diverticula located in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum that were treated in our department, evaluating the symptoms, diagnostic approach and offered treatment. RESULTS: Almost half of the diverticula (46.7%) were incidentally discovered and Meckel's diverticula represented the majority (43%) that were actually the only true diverticula. A high complication rate (53%) which included inflammation with or without perforation (22%), bleeding (10%) or obstructive ileus (12%) due to small bowel diverticulosis was reported. The preoperative diagnosis was often impossible (44% of complicated cases). CONCLUSION: Although small bowel diverticulosis has a low incidence, it should be in the clinician's mind in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

Elective operation after acute complicated diverticulitis:Is it still mandatory?

AIM: To investigate recurrence rates, patterns and complications after nonoperatively managed complicated diverticulitis(CD).METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated for CD was performed. CD was defined on computed tomography by the presence of a localized abscess, pelvic abscess or extraluminal air. For follow-up, patients were contacted by telephone. Numbers of elective surgeries, recurrences and abdominal pain were analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 114 patients(median age 57 years(range 29-97)), were admitted for CD. Nine patients required surgical intervention for failure of conservative therapy(Hartmann's procedure: n = 6; resection and colorectal anastomosis: n = 3). Of the 105 remaining patients, 24(22.9%) underwent elective sigmoid resection. The 81(71%) non-operated patients were all contacted after a median follow-up of 32 mo(4-63). Among them, six had developed a recurrent episodeof diverticulitis at a median follow-up of 12 mo(6-36); however, no patient required hospitalization. Sixtyeight patients(84%) were asymptomatic and 13(16%) had recurrent abdominal pain.CONCLUSION: Conservative policy is feasible and safe in 71% of cases, with a low medium-term recurrence risk.

Risk of colorectal cancer in patients with diverticular disease

Colorectal cancer constitutes an important burden on the healthcare system. Screening at-risk populations to reduce colorectal cancer-related morbidity and mortality has become part of good clinical practice. However, recommendations regarding subgroups of patients with diverticular disease are subject to controversy. Herein, we review the most recent literature regarding the prevalence of colorectal cancer in patients with diverticular disease, diverticulitis and uncomplicated diverticulitis. The recent literature does not identify diverticular disease as a long-term risk factor for colorectal cancer. However, the risk of colorectal cancer is increased in the short-term period after hospitalization related to diverticular disease. According to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, the prevalence of colorectal cancer is 1.6% in patients with acute diverticulitis who underwent colonoscopy. The risk of having colorectal cancer after an episode of acute diverticulitis is 44-fold higher than that of an age-and gender-adjusted reference population. Despite lower among patients with uncomplicated episode, the risk of colorectal cancer remains 40-fold higher in that subpopulation than that in the reference population. To conclude, the recent literature describes an increased risk of colorectal cancer among patients with acute diverticulitis compared to the reference population. Colonoscopy is therefore recommended in patients with diverticulitis to exclude colorectal cancer.

Recent trends in the prevalence and distribution of colonic diverticula in Japan evaluated using computed tomography colonography

BACKGROUND Computed tomography colonography(CTC)may be superior to colonoscopy and barium enema for detecting diverticula.However,few studies have used CTC to diagnose diverticula.AIM To evaluate the current prevalence and distribution of colonic diverticula in Japan using CTC.METHODS This study was conducted as part of the Japanese National Computed Tomographic Colonography Trial,which included 1181 participants from 14 hospitals in Japan.We analyzed the prevalence and distribution of colonic diverticula and their relationships with age and sex.The relationship between the diverticula and the length of the large intestine was also analyzed.RESULTS Diverticulosis was present in 48.1%of the participants.The prevalence of diverticulosis was higher in the older participants(P<0.001 for trend).The diverticula seen in younger participants were predominantly located in the right-sided colon.Older participants had a higher frequency of bilateral type(located in the rightand left-sided colon)diverticulosis(P<0.001 for trend).The length of the large intestine with multiple diverticula in the sigmoid colon was significantly shorter in those without diverticula(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in Japan is higher than that previously reported.The prevalence was higher,and the distribution tended to be bilateral in older participants.

表现为长期影像学气腹和假性梗阻的空肠憩室一例报道

Small bowel diverticulosis is a rare finding within the general population and jejunal diverticulosis,specifically,is even rarer.Clinical manifestations can range from post-prandial pain,constipation and malabsorption to serious complications,such as gastro-intestinal hemorrhage,perforation and acute intestinal obstruction.Here we describe the case of an 81-yearold gentleman who presented with a three-year history of abdominal pain and weight loss.Despite unremarkable physical examination and laboratory tests,persistent pneumoperitoneum and dilated loops of small bowel were found on imaging.Having been given a diagnosis of small bowel bacterial overgrowth,the patient underwent capsule endoscopy study for further evaluation of his small bowel.The capsule did not reach the colon and the patient never noted passing the capsule in his stool so,six months post-procedure,a computed tomography(CT)scan seemed to reveal the retained capsule.Subsequent exploratory laparotomy revealed 200 cm of atonic,dilated jejunum with impressive diverticula along the antimesenteric border.This case report is an example of an unusual set of presenting signs and symptoms of jejunal diverticulosis,including persistent pneumoperitoneum,pseudo-obstruction and small bowel bacterial overgrowth.A literature review has revealed that these signs have been present in other cases of jejunal diverticulosis,although the etiology and pathophysiology is not clearly understood.