[Laparoscopic sigmoid resection in diverticulitis]

It is still difficult to determine the exact indication for a laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. Frequently, the severity of diverticulitis is not sufficiently defined. For this reason a modification of the Hinchey classification is proposed to which a stage II b for fistula formation and a differentiation between acute and chronic disease have been added. Another problem is the lack of criteria which define a "laparoscopic" resection. A sigmoid resection should be called "laparoscopic" if the mobilization of the sigmoid colon, the transsection of the mesenteric vein and artery and the mesentery itself and the distal transsection of the bowel are done laparoscopically. The resection of the bowel and the introduction of the anvil of the stapler device can be done extraabdominally, however, the anastomosis again should be performed laparoscopi-cally. A so defined sigmoid resection can be done in the chronic stage I. In the chronic stage II a there will be significant problems due to adhesion formation, and in the acute stages II a and II b as well as in the chronic stage II b a laparoscopic resection should not be attempted.