Treatment of patients with acute colonic diverticulitis complicated by abscess formation: A systematic review

Observational studies with unmatched patients were the best available evidence which limited comparability and resulted in risk of selection bias and confounding by indication. Diverticular abscesses with diameters less than 3 cm might be sufficiently treated with antibiotics, while the best treatment for larger abscesses remains uncertain. Acute surgery should be reserved for critically ill patients failing non-operative treatment. Further research is needed to determine the best treatment for different sizes and types of diverticular abscesses, preferably randomized controlled trials.