North Colombo diverticular disease snap shot audit (VISTA study): a collaborative research initiative

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Diverticulosis and diverticular disease (DD) is a common occurrence in clinical practice in the local setting with a lack of documented literature. A snapshot audit was conducted at North Colombo Teaching Hospital (NCTH) to ascertain the disease burden in clinical practice as a pilot study to assess feasibility and response rate for a nation wide snapshot audit. METHODOLOGY All surgical and gastroenterology units at NCTH were requested to enter the data between 1st January 2022 to 30th of June 2022 on all patients presenting with DD or those detected with diverticulosis during screening colonoscopy. Prospective data collection was done using RedCap© data capturing platform. RESULTS Out of the 8 units invited (general surgery – 5, GI surgery – 1, gastroenterology – 2), 5 units participated (general surgery – 2, GI surgery – 1, gastroenterology – 2); response rate is 62%. A total of 46 patient records (median age- 68 years; range 29- 86; female 51%) were received within 6 months. Of the total 54.3% had symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) while 33% were detected with diverticulosis at screening. Only 13% (n=6) required inward care (bleeding – 3, diverticulitis – 2, perforation – 1) and detected using colonoscopy in 4 and CT scan in 2. In the DD group, 20% (6/31) had complicated DD while 80% had Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD). CONCLUSION In this pilot study, a majority of the patients with DD presented with SUDD while around 20% came with complicated DD. The response rate from collaborators was satisfactory. The secure online database usage is feasible and will be used for a national level study in the future to assess the disease burden in the healthcare setting in Sri Lanka.