Dr KK Aggarwal
Routine colonoscopy is usually recommended following an
episode of acute diverticulitis to rule out coexistent malignancy. Although it
continues to be recommended in guidelines, CT imaging has gradually taken over.
In a meta-analysis on the role of colonoscopy after an
episode of left-sided acute diverticulitis, colorectal cancer was detected in
2.1% (95% CI 1.5-3.1) of patients. This risk is higher than the 0.4-1.0%
prevalence of colorectal cancer in the general population who undergo screening
colonoscopy.
These findings suggest that all patients, especially
those with complicated disease or ongoing symptoms should undergo colonoscopy
after an episode of acute diverticulitis, unless the procedure was performed in
the previous year. The results of the meta-analysis are published in July 2019
issue of the British Journal of Surgery.
(Ref: Rottier SJ, et al. Meta-analysis of the
role of colonoscopy after an episode of left-sided acute diverticulitis. Br J
Surg. 2019 Jul;106(8):988-97).
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
President Elect Confederation of
Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania
(CMAAO)
Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President Heart Care Foundation of
India
Past National President
IMA
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