title: [Applicability, safety and efficacy of an ambulatory treatment protocol in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability, safety and efficacy of an ambulatory treatment protocol in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis based on abdominal computed tomography findings during a 2-year period were prospectively included. Patients with vomiting, severe comorbidities, or without an appropriate family environment were excluded. Ambulatory treatment consisted of oral antibiotics for 1 week (amoxicillin-clavulanic 1 g t.i.d. or ciprofloxacin 500 mg b.i.d. plus metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. in patients with penicillin allergy). A clear liquid diet for the first 2 days and pain control with oral acetaminophen 1 g t.i.d. were also recommended.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-three patients were diagnosed with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis and 13 patients were excluded. Therefore, ambulatory treatment was initiated in 40 patients. Only two patients (5%) required admission after outpatient therapy was started due to vomiting and persistent abdominal pain, respectively. In both patients, the inflammatory process was successfully resolved by intravenous antibiotic treatment. In the remaining 38 patients (95%), ambulatory treatment was completed without complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ambulatory treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is safe, effective and applicable in most patients with tolerance to oral intake and with an appropriate family environment.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Cirugía Colorrectal. Servicio de Cirugía General. Hospital del Mar. Barcelona. España.
authors.forename: Núria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Peláez
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pera
authors.forename: Ricard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Courtier
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: M José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gil
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Parés
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grandea
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004238:Diverticulitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D002939:Ciprofloxacin; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination