Diverticulitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Diverticulitis, including details on symptoms, treatment, causes, prevention, diet.

Expanding Applications: The Potential Usage of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid in Diverticular Disease.

Tursi A, Joseph RE, Streck P

Gastroenterology Service, ASL BAT, Via Torino, 49, 76123, Andria, BT, Italy, antotursi@tiscali.it.

Diverticular disease is a common bowel condition, the pathogenesis of which is incompletely understood. Acute exacerbations of diverticular disease usually require dietary changes, antibiotic therapy, and may necessitate urgent surgery. Approximately 25-33% of patients experience symptomatic and acute inflammatory disease recurrence, suggesting that current long-term management is inadequate. Because inflammatory complications of diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, are similarities to inflammatory bowel diseases, evidence suggests that patients may respond to anti-inflammatory therapies used in these conditions. Here, we explore the rationale and evidence for use of inflammatory bowel disease treatment, namely 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA; mesalamine), in diverticular disease, and review clinical data on the efficacy of mesalamine either alone or in combination with other agents for the treatment of diverticular disease. PubMed and conference abstracts were searched for clinical studies examining the use of mesalamine in treating diverticular disease. Studies were evaluated for treatment efficacy in symptom reduction, recurrence prevention, or improving quality of life. The results of our search suggest that single-agent mesalamine can reduce diverticular disease symptoms and improve quality of life more effectively than antibiotic treatment alone. Mesalamine in combination with antibiotics can also reduce symptoms and improve quality of life with greater efficacy than either treatment alone. Combining mesalamine and probiotics treatments may reduce recurrent attacks of diverticular disease. Further randomized, well-controlled studies are required for validation; however, it seems that mesalamine is an important agent in future diverticular disease management.

Published 13 May 2011 in Dig Dis Sci.
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Articles on Diverticulitis published 11 May 2011:

Laparoscopic resection with transanal specimen extraction for sigmoid diverticulitis.   Br J Surg.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study evaluated the technical aspects and microbiological consequences of laparoscopic resection with transanal specimen extraction and per ano transcolonic stapler anvil insertion in patients requiring elective operation for previous diverticulitis. METHODS: Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy was performed with three ports, and specimen extraction carried out transanally through a complete opening of the rectal stump. A triple-stapled anastomosis restored colonic ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Diverticulitis published 10 May 2011:

Laparoscopic versus open sigmoid resection for diverticulitis: long-term results of a prospective, randomized trial.   Surg Endosc.

BACKGROUND: Elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis has proven short-term benefits, but little data are available from prospective randomized trials regarding long-term outcome, quality of life, and functional results. METHODS: Of 113 patients randomized to undergo laparoscopic (LAP) versus open (OP) sigmoid resection for diverticulitis, 105 (93%, LAP = 54, OP = 51) patients were examined and answered the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire, with ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Diverticulitis published 9 May 2011:

Association of steroid use with complicated sigmoid diverticulitis: potential role of activated CD68+/CD163+ macrophages.   Langenbecks Arch Surg.

BACKGROUND: Immunosupression and, especially, intake of steroids have previously been identified as risk factors for complicated types of sigmoid diverticulitis. However, little is known about the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. We aimed to elucidate the potential role of activated macrophages in this respect. METHODS: A consecutive series of n = 101 patients having undergone surgical resection for sigmoid diverticulitis at our institution was analyzed regarding the ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Role of acute diverticulitis in the development of complicated colonic diverticular disease and 1-year mortality after diagnosis in the UK: population-based cohort study.   Gut.

Objective To determine the risk of developing complicated colonic diverticular disease (CCDD) with prior episodes of acute diverticulitis and determine the mortality of the spectrum of CCDD. Design Population-based cohort study. Setting Computerised records from the General Practice Research Database linked to Hospital Episode Statistics data from the UK. Participants Patients and controls registered in the General Practice Research Database from 1990 to 2007. Main outcome measures Mortality ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Diverticulitis published 6 May 2011:

Laparoscopic converted to open colectomy: predictors and outcomes from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.   Am J Surg, 201(5): 630-4.

[Abstract] [Full-text]

Does sacrifice of the inferior mesenteric artery or superior rectal artery affect anastomotic leak following sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis? a retrospective review.   Am J Surg, 201(5): 619-23.

[Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Diverticulitis published 4 May 2011:

Appendiceal diverticulitis in a femoral hernia causing necrotizing fasciitis of the right inguinal region: report of a unique case.   Hernia.

De Garengeot's hernia-a rare finding occurring mostly in women-is defined by the presence of the vermiform appendix within the sac of a femoral hernia. The incidence of appendicitis is rarer still, with less than a 100 cases reported to date. We present a unique case of an 84-year-old male patient with perforated appendiceal diverticulitis within a De Garengeot's hernia causing abscess and necrotizing infection of the overlying soft tissues. [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Diverticulitis published 3 May 2011:

Parastomal hernia incarceration due to migrated intragastric balloon.   Hernia.

The temporary placement of intragastric balloons is a common method to achieve rapid weight loss before planned metabolic surgery. We report the case of a 48-year-old morbidly obese patient. Ten years ago the patient underwent emergency sigmoidectomy with creation of a double-barreled ileostomy for perforated diverticulitis. Over time he developed a giant parastomal hernia. For preoperative weight reduction before planned restoration of intestinal continuity, an intragastric balloon was ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

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