Acute diverticulitis and diverticular disease of the colon: a safe indication for laparoscopic surgery

We analyzed our experience with a laparoscopic method for the treatment of acute diverticular disease.

Between January 1994 and October 1999 a group of 52 patients who fulfilled the criteria for symptomatic diverticular disease in the descending and sigmoid colon underwent laparoscopy with resection of an average of 40 cm of the bowel. Intraabdominal mechanical anastomosis completed the procedure.

The use of ultrasonic scissors made the laparoscopic technique easier and shortened operative time. Operative morbidity was 15%. Two patients with acute diverticulitis and associated sepsis were reconverted to open surgery, and 4 patients presented postoperative rectal bleeding which ceased spontaneously. No long-term complications were found except in 1 patient who developed an incisional hernia through an entry port. Oral intake began between the second and third day. Postoperative hospitalization was 3-8 days (mean: 5.5 days) and mean operative time was 130 min (range: 70-240 min).

Despite the steep learning curve for this type of surgery, the good morbidity and mortality rates with the laparoscopic method, especially with high-risk groups of patients (age > 65 years, high blood pressure, etc.) suggest that this surgical option can be used efficiently and safely, and that it achieves better results than with open surgery. However, we feel that the treatment of patients with acute complications of diverticular colon disease requires extensive experience with laparoscopic colorectal surgery.