Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis: Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?

We frequently treat patients who have acute diverticulitis with oral antibiotic therapy in outpatient settings. In this multicenter, randomized trial from Spain, researchers sought to confirm the safety of this practice in 132 patients who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis confirmed by computed tomography. Patients with abscesses or peritonitis and patients who were unable to tolerate oral intake were excluded. After receiving an initial dose of intravenous (IV) antibiotic (either amoxicillin/clavulanate or ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole) in the ED, patients were randomized to outpatient oral antibiotic treatment or to inpatient treatment with additional IV antibiotic for 36 to 48 hours.

Duri…