Managing Acute Diverticulitis

Recommendations from the American Gastroenterological Association are largely unchanged.

Sponsoring Organization: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)

Background

The AGA last published a guideline on managing acute diverticulitis in 2015 (Gastroenterology 2015; 149:1944). Now, the AGA has provided an update that outlines 14 “best practices.”

Key Recommendations

Computed tomography (CT) scans should be considered when diverticulitis is suspected, because alternate diagnoses are identified in about half of cases.
Antibiotics should be used “selectively rather than routinely” for mild cases of diverticulitis. Indications for antibiotic use in uncomplicated diverticulitis include presence of comorbidities or immunosuppression, C-reactive protein level >140 mg/L, white blood cell count >15,000/mm³, presence of fluid collection,…

Reviewing Author

Molly S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Molly S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Managing Acute Diverticulitis

Topics

Background

Key Recommendations

Reviewing Author