Title

Management of Acute Diverticulitis

Authoring Organization

American Gastroenterological Association

Publication Month/Year

December 1, 2015

Last Updated Month/Year

November 6, 2024

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

Given the significant burden of disease and the evolving scientific literature, the AGA has identified acute diverticulitis as a priority for an updated guideline.

Target Patient Population

Patients with acute diverticulitis

Target Provider Population

Gastroenterologists and any other clinicians who manage patients with acute diverticulitis

PICO Questions

  1. Should Antibiotics Be Routinely Used in Patients With Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis?

  2. Should a Colonoscopy Be Performed After an Episode of Acute Diverticulitis Confirmed by CT Scan?

  3. Should Elective Colonic Resection Be Performed After an Initial Episode of Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis?

  4. Should a High-Fiber Diet, Rather Than a Regular Diet, Be Advised in Patients With a History of Acute Diverticulitis?

  5. Should Consumption of Nuts and Popcorn Be Avoided in Patients With a History of Acute Diverticulitis?

  6. Should Aspirin Be Avoided in Patients With a History of Acute Diverticulitis?

  7. Should Non-aspirin Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Be Avoided in Patients With a History of Acute Diverticulitis?

  8. Should Mesalamine Rather Than Placebo Be Used in Patients With a History of Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis?

  9. Should Rifaximin Rather Than Placebo Be Used in Patients With a History of Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis?

  10. Should Probiotics Rather Than Placebo Be Used in Patients With a History of Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis?

  11. Should Vigorous Physical Activity Rather Than Regular Activity Be Encouraged in Patients With a History of Acute Diverticulitis?

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Emergency care, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Treatment, Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D004238 - Diverticulitis, D000076385 - Diverticular Diseases

Keywords

diverticulitis, acute diverticulitis

Source Citation

Stollman N, Smalley W, Hirano I; AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Management of Acute Diverticulitis. Gastroenterology 2015;149:1944–1949.

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Technical Review