TP9.2.8Conservative versus surgical management of complicated diverticulitis - a retrospective study of long-term outcomes

The management of complicated diverticulitis has evolved over the years, with a shift towards a conservative approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and long-term outcomes of conservative management of an episode of complicated diverticulitis. Method We retrospectively evaluated patients presenting with perforated colonic diverticulitis between 2013 and 2017. Demographic, presentation and management data was recorded. CT grading system and Clavien-Dindo classification of complications was used. Results Ninety-two patients were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. Forty patients had a Hartmann’s procedure on the first admission (Group A), the remaining 52 patients were managed conservatively with antibiotics +/- radiological drainage (Group B). Mean follow-up was 64.9 months (range 3-7 years). CT Grade 3 and 4 disease was observed in 65% of Group A and in 40.4% of Group B patients. 14 (26.9%) patients re-presented with recurrent diverticulitis in Group B, 12 (23.1%) of whom required surgical resection in the course of follow-up. Group A had significantly increased morbidity and poorer outcomes compared to Group B with a longer median length of stay (23.5 vs 10.2 days). Post-operative complications affected 72.5% (29 patients), with 40% being grade III or higher. Stoma reversal was performed in 10 (25.8%). Conclusion In carefully selected cases, complicated diverticulitis including CT grade 3 and 4, can be managed conservatively with acceptable rates of recurrence. Better overall outcomes were observed compared to surgical intervention, which is associated with high rates of post-operative complications (72.5%) and low stoma reversal rates 25.8%.