title: Recurrences and Ongoing Complaints of Diverticulitis; Results of a Survey among Gastroenterologists and Surgeons.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to investigate the current opinion of gastroenterologists and surgeons on treatment strategies for patients, with recurrences or ongoing complaints of diverticulitis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Treatment of recurrences and ongoing complaints remains a point of debate. No randomized trials have been published yet and guidelines are not uniform in their advice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A web-based survey was conducted among gastroenterologists and GE-surgeons. Questions were aimed at the treatment options for recurrent diverticulitis and ongoing complaints.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 123 surveys were filled out. The number of patients with recurrent or ongoing diverticulitis who were seen at the outpatient clinic each year was 7 (0-30) and 5 (0-115) respectively. Surgeons see significantly more patients on an annual basis 20 vs. 15% (p = 0.00). Both surgeons and gastroenterologists preferred to treat patients in a conservative manner using pain medication and lifestyle advise (64.4 vs. 54.0, p = 0.27); however, gastroenterologists would treat patients with mesalazine medication, which is significantly more (28%, p = 0.04) than in the surgical group. Surgeons are inclined more towards surgery (31.5%, p = 0.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both surgeons and gastroenterologists prefer to treat recurrent diverticulitis and ongoing complaints in a conservative manner. Quality of life, the risk of complications and the viewpoint of the patient are considered important factors in the decision to resect the affected colon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M A W
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stam
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Draaisma
authors.forename: E C J
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Consten
authors.forename: I A M J
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Broeders
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000072700:Conservative Treatment; D004238:Diverticulitis / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D005762:Gastroenterology; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009426:Netherlands; D010358:Patient Participation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D013043:Specialties, Surgical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics