Do Repeated Episodes of Acute Diverticulitis Predict High-Risk Complications?

The American Society of Colorectal Surgeons used to recommend surgical resection after two episodes of acute diverticulitis. Based on consensus more than evidence, these recommendations were changed to suggest an individualized approach to surgical resection, depending on the frequency and severity of episodes. However, a common uncertainty among clinicians is whether patients with repeated episodes of acute diverticulitis are more likely to suffer a serious chronic complication that should be prevented with surgery.

To estimate the risks for complications from acute diverticulitis and their associated excess mortality risks, investigators conducted a population-based matched cohort study in the U.K. involving 2950 patients (64% women) with …