Patients presenting in hospital with symptoms of acute diverticulitis. Acute inflammation of the left-sided colon is confirmed with CT scan or ultrasound in experienced centers and diagnosis is defined according to the "Classification of Diverticular Disease (CDD)". CDD Type 2a, 2b and 3b will be included and then randomized in two groups. Group A will get an early left hemicolectomy 7 to 10 days after admission and initial antibiotic therapy and/or drainage of the abscess. Group B is designated for an elective resection 6 to 8 weeks after dismissal at the earliest and initial conservative treatment and/or after drainage of the abscess. Six weeks after the operation patients of Group A will be asked for their present quality of life with a standardized scoring system (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index = GIQLI; Short-form 36 Score = SF-36 Score; Low anterior resection syndrome = LARS Score). Group B (elective resection) will be asked at their readmission prior to elective surgery is done. This survey package will be repeated again 6 to 8 weeks later in both groups. Primary endpoints will be the two GIQLI at the said examination times. Secondary endpoints will be SF-36 score, LARS-score, GIQLI-Domains, anastomosis insufficiency and other complications, mortality and length of hospital stay. Comparisons between the groups are made at the said examination times but also 6-8 weeks after the operation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Informed consent to participate in the study
* CDD Type 2a, 2b: acute complicated left-sided diverticulitis
* CDD Type 3b: relapsing diverticulitis without complications (\>2 episodes within 2 years)
* Acute presentation
* Inflammation located in the left-sided colon
* Inflammation is CT proven or ultrasound confirmed from experienced radiologists
Exclusion Criteria:
* \< 18 years
* Pregnancy
* BMI \> 55kg/m2
* Current colorectal carcinoma in the left-sided colon
* Oral and/or intravenous corticosteroid
* Ongoing chemotherapy
* Status post left hemicolectomy
* Patients who cannot take care of themselves at home or are unable to follow instructions
* Patients who are not fit for surgery (anesthesia, expert knowledge from specialists) and will not benefit from surgery
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.