Abstract
Introduction
Diverticular disease is a common health problem with a wide clinical spectrum. About 75% of the patients would have uncomplicated diverticulitis. Cornerstones of treatment are antibiotics, analgesia, and dietary advice. Recent evidence has shown that its treatment is controversial, questioning the use of antibiotics. Aim is to assess the role of antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.
Method
This is a systematic review and Meta-analysis. Literature review of the available studies was conducted using search engines like Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan5.4.
Results
Out of 1754 records 1324 were duplicates, 430 studies were screened. 395 were further excluded.35 full text articles were assessed and in the final review 10 studies were included. PRISMA guidelines were used. Pooled OR for recurrence = 0.92 (95% CI = 0.74 to 1.13). Pooled OR for Hospital stay= -0.66 (95% CI= -1.12 to -0.21). Pooled OR for complications = 1.06 (95% CI = 0.69 to 1.64). Pooled OR for treatment failure= 1.24 (95% CI = 0.90-1.69).
Conclusions
We conclude that from the available evidence antibiotics have no role in reducing recurrence, complications, treatment failure, and duration of hospital stay in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.