Recommendations by society on the indication of colonoscopy after uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis episodes [2, 7, 64–67].
| Society | Colonoscopy indicated after an uncomplicated diverticulitis? | Colonoscopy indicated after complicated diverticulitis? | Time frame for follow-up colonoscopy |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) 2020 | Yes; however, it may be deferred if the first episode and a high-quality exam within the past year | Yes | Minimum 6–8 weeks or until complete resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer |
| American College of Physicians (ACP) 2022 | Not indicated for those with up-to-date recommended CRC screening | Yes, in those with diagnostic uncertainty in ruling out CRC | Minimum 6–8 weeks after complete resolution of acute symptoms |
| American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) 2020 | Not indicated unless atypical imaging, symptoms, or recovery ensues | Yes, if a colonoscopy has not been performed recently | About 6 weeks after the acute episode |
| European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) 2020 | May not be necessary after a single episode, CT-verified, and symptom-free recovery. Indicated in all other patients treated without resection, without a colonoscopy in the past 3 years | At least 6 weeks after the acute episode | |
| World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) 2020 | Not if diagnosed by CT imaging | Yes, in patients with diverticular abscesses treated non-operatively | Within about 4–6 weeks |
| European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)/Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) 2018 | Not indicated if successfully treated, and no high-risk features present | Not explicitly stated | |
CRC: colorectal cancer; CT: computed tomography.
NBDA: Writing—original draft, Writing—review & editing, Project administration. TV: Writing—original draft. ECOIV: Writing—review & editing. DAJ: Conceptualization, Supervision, Project administration, Writing—review & editing. All authors read and approved the submitted version.
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
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