Prognosis

Most patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis recover following medical treatment and do not require surgical intervention.

Recurrent disease

Diverticular disease recurs in 5% to 11% of patients over 5 years following an episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis.[7]​​​ Risk factors for recurrence seem to be younger age at presentation, female sex, Asian ethnicity, obesity, tobacco smoking, previous episode of recurrent disease, and abscess formation or complicated disease at index diagnosis.[7][99][100]​ Recurrent disease is associated with high mortality, and response to therapy is less favorable.

Mesalamine, probiotics, or rifaximin are not recommended for the prevention of recurrent diverticulitis.[43][59] Evidence shows that mesalamine does not reduce the risk of recurrence.[101] [ Cochrane Clinical Answers logo ] There is insufficient evidence for the use of rifaximin, mesalamine and rifaximin, combination balsalazide (a 5-aminosalicylic acid prodrug) and probiotics, or burdock tea.[59][101]

Post-surgery

Following elective surgical treatment, up to 25% of patients continue to have ongoing pain or recurrent diverticulitis.[43]​​​

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