What is the recommended management for recurrent acute diverticulitis?

Segmental resection is often recommended for patients who experience recurrent acute diverticulitis, especially when episodes are frequent or severe. This surgical approach involves removing the affected segment of the colon containing the diverticula, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of future episodes and complications.

The reasoning behind this recommendation centers on the potential for ongoing inflammation and complications associated with diverticulitis, such as abscesses, perforation, or bowel obstruction. If a person has multiple episodes of diverticulitis, the risk of these complications increases, which justifies the more aggressive management of segmental resection.

In contrast, conservative treatment or watchful waiting may be appropriate for isolated incidents of diverticulitis that respond well to medical management, but they generally do not provide a long-term solution for patients with recurrent symptoms. Medication therapy alone is often insufficient to address the underlying issues leading to recurrent diverticulitis. Thus, segmental resection serves as a more definitive approach to managing the condition effectively.