Recent advances in the treatment of colonic diverticular disease and prevention of acute diverticulitis

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 signifi cant burden on National Health Systems in terms of direct and indirect costs. Focus is now being drawn on identifying the correct therapeutic approach by testing various treatments. Fiber, non-absorbable antibiotics and probiotics seem to be eff ective in treating symptomatic and uncomplicated patients, and 5-aminosalicylic acid might help prevent acute diverticulitis. Unfortunately, robust evidence on the eff ectiveness of a medical strategy to prevent acute diverticulitis recurrence is still lacking. We herein provide a concise review on the eff ectiveness and future perspectives of these treatments.

Keywords Diverticular disease, 5-aminosalicylic acid, acute diverticulitis, high-fiber diet, nonabsorbable antibiotics, probiotics

Ann Gastroenterol 2016; 29 (1): 24-32