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World J Gastroenterol. May 14, 2006; 12(18): 2932-2935
Published online May 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i18.2932
Diverticulitis in the young patient-Is it different
Adi Lahat, Yoram Menachem, Benjamin Avidan, Henit Yanai, Emad Sakhnini, Eytan Bardan, Simon Bar-Meir
Adi Lahat, Yoram Menachem, Benjamin Avidan, Henit Yanai, Emad Sakhnini, Eytan Bardan, Simon Bar-Meir, Department of Gastroenterology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
Correspondence to: Simon Bar-Meir, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52651, Israel. barmeirs@yahoo.com
Telephone: +972-3-5302679 Fax: +972-3-5303070
Received: September 28, 2005
Revised: September 30, 2005
Accepted: January 14, 2006
Published online: May 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To prospectively study the incidence and the natural history of acute diverticulitis in young patients.

METHODS: A total of 207 patients hospitalized at our hospital between January 2000 to February 2005 with the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis were included. Their demographic characteristics, medical history, physical, radiographic and endoscopic findings as well as therapy were recorded. Patients were followed every 6 mo for the first year and later annually.

RESULTS: The mean patients’ age was 61 (range 27-92) years. Twenty- five patients (12%) were younger than 45 years. Acute diverticulitis was significantly more prevalent among male in the young age group as compared to the older age group (19/25, 76% vs 61/182, 33%, respectively, P = 0.0001). Complications occurred more often in the young age group; 32% vs 13%, (P = 0.002). During follow-up, 6 patients (28%) remained asymptomatic in the young age group as compared to 87 patients (55%) in the older age group (P = 0.024). As a result, sigmoidectomies were performed twice as often in the young age group (38% vs 13%, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Diverticulitis in young patients has a male predominance, a more aggressive course with a higher rate of complications and a higher recurrence rate. An earlier surgical approach might be considered in young patients with acute diverticulitis.

Keywords: Diverticulitis; Young patient; Complications; Sigmoidectomy