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ACPGBI Position Statement on Elective Resection for Diverticulitis
Author(s) -
Fozard J. B. J.,
Armitage N. C.,
Schofield J. B.,
Jones O. M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2010.02531.x
Subject(s) - medicine , diverticular disease , diverticulitis , perforation , general surgery , diverticulosis , medline , disease , evidence based medicine , evidence based practice , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology , political science , law , punching , materials science , metallurgy
Diverticular disease is common, with a frequency that increases with age. Most patients with diverticulosis do not develop symptoms, though a number will develop inflammation or diverticulitis. This inflammation may develop into an abscess or free perforation. Whilst the prevalence of perforation has increased from 2.4 per 100 000 in 1986 to 3.8 per 100 000 in 2000 according to one study [1], the majority of patients with diverticulitis follow an indolent clinical course. There has been controversy, therefore, as to whether elective resection after acute diverticulitis is justified [2]. This position statement is presented in sections dealing with the pathology, symptomatology and investigation of diverticular disease and its consequences. It then examines the evidence and indications for surgical intervention and its timing. The issue of laparoscopic versus open resection is then considered. The evidence is briefly summarized under the heading ‘Findings’ and this is followed where relevant by ‘Recommendations’.