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The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recently released new guidelines on the evaluation and management of diverticulitis. The following recommendations are of interest to gastroenterologists:
After resolution of an initial episode of acute diverticulitis, the colon should be imaged by colonoscopy or contrast enema x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
The decision to recommend elective sigmoid colectomy after recovery from acute diverticulitis should be made on a case-by-case basis. The decision should be influenced by the patient’s age and medical condition, the frequency and severity of attacks, and the persistence of symptoms after the acute episode. After one attack, about a third of patients will have a second one, and then a thir…