Incidence Rates of Colonic Diverticulosis and Acute Diverticulitis Among Adult Population - A Single Center Experience

Introduction Diverticulosis is defined by the presence of one or more diverticula which occur in weaker portions of the colonic wall where the vasa recta penetrate the circular muscular layer. Associated with the Western diet and life style, colonic diverticulosis is one of the clinically and economically most significant conditions in gastroenterology. Aim To evaluate the incidence of colonic diverticulosis and acute diverticulitis in the adult population referred to a gastroenterology medical center from North Eastern Romania. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 2500 colonoscopies between January 1st 2018 and November 31st 2018 in the Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iasi. Results Our study included 2500 patients investigated by colonoscopy during the mentioned period. The main reasons for performing colonoscopy were: motility disorders in 34% cases (constipation and diarrhea in 25% respectively 9% cases), lower GI bleeding in 32% cases (rectorrhagies, melena and hematochezia in 17%, 12% and 3% cases), iron deficiency anemia (12%), colorectal cancer screening (9%), follow-up in inflammatory bowel disease (5%), polypectomy (5%), polyps follow-up (3%). Among included patients, 450 (18%) were diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis, of which 239 (53%) were females and 211 (47%) males, mean age 69 +/- 11 years, 324 (72%) from urban area and 126 (28%) from rural area. The diverticula localization was predominantly in the sigmoid colon (195-43%), descending colon (120-27%) and the entire colon (76-17%). The other locations were: transverse colon (36-8%), ascending colon (21-4.5%), cecum (2-0.5%). Diverticulitis specific signs were found in 11 (2.5%) patients. Conclusion Recent studies show that the incidence of colonic diverticulosis is increasing in developing countries and affects younger patients, which implies an increased risk of life-threatening complications. Our study shows a high incidence of diverticula in patients evaluated by colonoscopy, with a percentage of patients with acute diverticulitis consistent with the available data.