J Korean Soc Coloproctol.  2010 Dec;26(6):402-406. 10.3393/jksc.2010.26.6.402.

Treatment of Right Colonic Diverticulitis: The Role of Nonoperative Treatment

• Kim MR
• Kye BH
• Kim HJ
• Cho HM
• Oh ST
• Kim JG

• KMID: 2101554
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3393/jksc.2010.26.6.402

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of nonoperative treatment for right-sided colonic diverticulitis.
METHODS
One hundred fifty-eight patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis were evaluated. Clinical history, physical and radiologic findings, and treatments were reviewed retrospectively. Also, additional episodes and treatment modalities were checked.
RESULTS
Our patients were classified according to treatment modality; 135 patients (85.4%) underwent conservative treatment, including antibiotics and bowel rest, and 23 patients (14.6%) underwent surgery. The mean follow-up length was 37.3 months, and 17 patients (17.5%) underwent recurrent right-sided colonic diverticulitis. Based on treatment modality, including surgery and antibiotics, no significant differences in the clinical features and the recurrence rates were noted between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Conservative management with bowel rest and antibiotics could be considered as a safe and effective option for treating right-sided colonic diverticulitis. This treatment option for right-sided colonic diverticulitis, even if the disease is complicated, may be the treatment of choice.

Keyword

Diverticulitis; Colonic diverticulitis; Drug therapy

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Colon
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis, Colonic
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Recurrence
Retrospective Studies
Anti-Bacterial Agents