[Postoperative complications of elective resection of the colon in diverticulitis]

Data on 142 patients (57 men, 85 women; mean age 64.2 [37-91] years) who had elective colon resection for diverticulitis were retrospectively analysed with respect to postoperative morbidity and mortality. Associated systemic disease was present in 47.9% of patients; intraabdominal complications were found preoperatively in 55.6%. Resection with primary anastomosis was performed in 97.9% of patients. Local postoperative complications were noted in 14.1%, general complications in 31.7%. Two patients died postoperatively of the consequences of local complications. In both cases diverticulitis had been complicated by fistulas (mortality rate 1.4%). With careful preparation, standardized operative technique and intensive perioperative supervision the risk of elective colon resection for diverticulitis is low. It can thus be undertaken, even after the first severe attack of diverticulitis, in patients without associated disease.