Smoking may be associated with complications in diverticular disease.
BACKGROUND
The vast majority of people with diverticula remain asymptomatic or develop minor symptoms while a small group develop serious complications that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The aim was to identify any risk factors predisposing to complications.


METHODS
Eighty patients with diverticular disease were studied. Patients in group 1 (n = 45) with complications requiring hospitalization or surgery were compared with those in group 2 (n = 35) with asymptomatic diverticula or minor symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was performed.


RESULTS
No differences in epidemiological factors, concurrent and past medical and surgical conditions or chronic medication were detected between the two groups. Generalized disease was not associated with more complications than sigmoid disease. However, smoking seemed to be an independent factor predisposing to complications; the proportion of smokers in group 1 was significantly greater (24 of 45) than that in group 2 (ten of 35) (odds ratio 2.9, P = 0.028).


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with diverticular disease, smoking is associated with an increased risk of complications.
Academic Department of Surgery, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
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S
Papagrigoriadis
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L
Macey
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N
Bourantas
J A
JA
Rennie
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*