Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and comorbidity can be treated at home

Abstract Background Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and comorbidity are usually hospitalized. We analyze the efficacy and safety of treating these patients in Hospital at Home. Methods Prospective study since January 2007 to December 2009. Patients were transferred to the Hospital at Home after 12–24 h at Emergency Department Observation Ward. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotic until clinical condition improved. Results 176 patients were diagnosed with uncomplicated diverticulitis at the Emergency Department. 18% of them (33) had comorbidity. Twenty four patients were transferred to the Hospital at Home (seventeen patients had cardiopathy, four diabetes mellitus and three chronic renal failure). Mean age was 73.4 years. All patients had abdominal pain and 29.1% fever; 45.8% presented with leucocytosis. 20.8% had a previous history of diverticulitis. Mean stay of patients was 9 days. All patients had a favorable course. The home treatment was successfully completed in 100% of patients. 95% of the patients expressed their satisfaction with this type of treatment. Conclusions Treatment of patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and comorbidity at home after a short period of observation in Hospital is safe and effective.