How often should patients with a history of diverticulitis be monitored for potential complications or recurrence?

For patients with a history of diverticulitis, routine monitoring for potential complications or recurrence is not recommended by NICE ¹.

However, for people with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis managed in primary care, reassessment is advised if their symptoms persist or worsen ¹. Some guidelines recommend reassessment for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis managed in an outpatient setting within 7 days, or earlier if symptoms deteriorate ¹. Additionally, people with uncomplicated diverticulitis treated with antibiotics may be reviewed after 5 days ¹. The decision on when to reassess people with acute diverticulitis managed in primary care should be based on clinical judgement ¹.

NICE found insufficient evidence to make a recommendation on the management of people with recurrent diverticular disease ¹,². Instead of routine monitoring, patients with acute diverticulitis should be given verbal and written information on the course of the condition, the likelihood of complicated disease or recurrent episodes, and importantly, when and how to seek further medical advice for symptoms ². Similarly, people with diverticular disease should receive information on symptoms and when to seek medical advice ².