Diverticulitis - A Neglected Disease Despite its Clinical Burden

Diverticulosis and diverticular disease are ranked among the most common gastroenterological diseases and conditions. In Western countries, one in every two to three individuals will develop diverticula at some point during their lifetime. Moreover, there is a noticeable trend toward increasingly complicated diseases. As a result, a significant increase in hospitalizations has been observed in recent years. Several pivotal trials have been conducted focusing on surgical indications and complications. Diverticular disease prophylaxis is described in detail, with specific dietary recommendations and suggestions for lifestyle modifications in those affected. These are derived not only from large cohort studies but also from insights into the disease pathogenesis. Another focus, a subject of intense discussion, is symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD), which is characterized by pain related to the affected bowel segment without visual morphological or laboratory evidence of diverticulitis.

This Research Topic will explore hot topics requiring description and critical discussion of the most current status, and an outlook on future developments:

- Imaging procedures, combined, sequential (computed tomography, ultrasound, MRI)

- Significance of colonoscopy revisited

- Classification

- Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: pathogenesis, definition, differential diagnosis (IBS)

- Lifestyle and diverticular disease (epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment)

- Intestinal microbiota – role in pathogenesis and evaluation of microbiota-modulating therapies

- Antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis: Everything clear or questions on length of treatment, systemic or non-absorbable compounds

- Treatment of relapsing uncomplicated diverticulitis: Surgery revisited

- Conservative management of relapsing diverticulitis

- Surgery in acute diverticulitis: Hartmann or primary anastomosis

Authors are invited to contribute to one of the above-mentioned themes with Original Research articles, Reviews, Perspectives, and Opinions. Articles should include a review of the literature and own data.

Keywords: diverticular disease, diverticulitis, symptomatic uncomplicated diverticulitis, antibiotics, imaging diagnostic procedures, surgery in uncomplicated diverticulitis, primary anastomosis, lifestyle

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.