Journal Review in Colorectal Surgery: Management of Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis With or Without Antibiotics
Journal Review in Colorectal Surgery: Management of Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis With or Without Antibiotics  
Podcast: Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
Published On: Mon Sep 15 2025
Description: Why are we still treating acute uncomplicated diverticulitis with antibiotics? There is plenty of evidence from several randomized controlled trials demonstrating that symptomatic management alone yields similar results. If we should continue prescribing antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis, which patients should undergo treatment and when? Join Drs. Jared Hendren, Elissa Dabaghi, Joseph Trunzo, Ajaratu Keshinro, and David Rosen as they discuss the management of uncomplicated diverticulitis while reviewing groundbreaking literature.Hosts:-Jared Hendren, MDInstitution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio- Elissa Dabaghi, MDInstitution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio- Joseph Trunzo, MDInstitution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute,Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OhioSocial Media Handle: X/Twitter @joseph_trunzo- Ajaratu Keshinro, MDInstitution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute,Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OhioSocial Media Handle: X/Twitter- @AJKesh- David Rosen, MDInstitution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute,Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OhioSocial Media Handle: X/Twitter- @davidrrosenmdLearning Objectives: By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:1.     Identify criteria for managing acute uncomplicated diverticulitis without antibiotics based on recent literature2.     Define uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis3.     Discuss nuanced management decisions of patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis to determine when antibiotics may be appropriate for managementReferences:1.     Azhar, N., Aref, H., Brorsson, A., Lydrup, M.‑L., Jörgren, F., Schultz, J. K., & Buchwald, P. (2022). Management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis without antibiotics: Compliance and outcomes – a retrospective cohort study. BMC Emergency Medicine, 22(1), Article 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873‑022‑00584‑X 2.     Mora‑López, L., Ruiz‑Edo, N., Estrada‑Ferrer, O., Piñana‑Campón, M. L.,Labró‑Ciurans, M., Escuder‑Perez, J., Sales‑Mallafré, R., Rebasa‑Cladera, P.,Navarro‑Soto, S., Serra‑Aracil, X., & DINAMO‑study Group. (2021). Efficacy and safety of nonantibiotic outpatient treatment in mild acute diverticulitis (DINAMO‑study): A multicentre, randomised, open‑label, noninferiority trial. Annals of Surgery, 274(5), e435–e442. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.00000000000050313.     Daniels, L., Ünlü, Ç., de Korte, N., van Dieren, S., Stockmann, H. B., Vrouenraets, B. C., Consten, E. C., van der Hoeven, J. A., Eijsbouts, Q. A., Faneyte, I. F., Bemelman, W. A., Dijkgraaf, M. G., & Boermeester, M. A. (2017). Randomized clinical trial ofobservational versus antibiotic treatment for a first episode of CT‑proven uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. British Journal of Surgery, 104(1), 52‑61. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.103094.     Chabok, A., Påhlman, L., Hjern, F., Haapaniemi, S., & Smedh, K.; AVOD Study Group. (2012). Randomized clinical trial of antibiotics in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. British Journal of Surgery, 99(4), 532–539. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.8688Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium:General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US