International Consensus on: “Diagnosis and management of Diverticular Disease of the Colon: The Florence Consensus Conference”

Diverticulosis of the colon, and its clinical form, the “diverticular disease”, is one of the most common diseases worldwide. About 60% of people over 60 y.o. may have colonic diverticulosis, and about one-fourth of them may develop acute/chronic intestinal symptoms. Although it is a very frequent chronic disease, there are still some points to be clarified about its patho-genesis, the correct diagnosis and, most importantly, medical and surgical therapy. Several Guidelines for the management of diverticular disease, but all of them have some limitations (national, mainly medical, or mainly surgical Guidelines). Moreover, some of them have not been updated after their publication. These International guidelines want to focus the most evidence-based literature data on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of diverticulosis and diverticular disease, providing also practical and evidence-based recommendations for clinicians. In the last months, a group of experts in the field has met virtually, divided into groups of expertise to critically review the literature on the various topics and propose summaries in the form of statements to be voted on and discussed in a collegial meeting in person, held in Fiesole with the contribution of the Menarini Foundation on 02/27-03/01 2025. These will be days of intense debate and exchange of opinions that will enrich us clinically and scientifically, without neglecting the human aspect that will enhance the relationships of esteem and friendship that already exist between many of us. All this in the splendid setting of the city of Florence, one of the jewels of the Italian Renaissance, which is ready to welcome us with its beauties not only artistic but also food and wine, tradition etc. With these prospects and the hopes of fruitful work that can lead to establishing useful statements in the field of diverticular disease, we look forward to seeing you soon in Florence.