Smoking may be associated with complications in diverticular disease

Background: The vast majority of people with diverticula remain asymptomati c or develop minor symptoms while a small group develop serious complicatio ns that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The aim was to identify any risk factors predisposing to complications. Methods: Eighty patients with diverticular disease were studied. Patients i n group 1 (n=45) with complications requiring hospitalization or surgery we re compared with those in group 2 (n=35) with asymptomatic diverticula or m inor symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: No differences in epidemiological factors, concurrent and past med ical and surgical conditions or chronic medication were detected between th e two groups. Generalized disease was not associated with more complication s than sigmoid disease. However, smoking seemed to be an independent factor predisposing to complications; the proportion of smokers in group 1 was si gnificantly greater (24 of 45) than that in group 2 (ten of 35) (odds ratio 2.9, P=0.028). Conclusion: In patients with diverticular disease, smoking is associated wi th an increased risk of complications.