[Two-stage laparoscopic management of complicated acute diverticulitis. Initial experience]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Context:

• Complicated diverticulitis lacks a definitive treatment consensus.
• Traditional surgery presents high morbidity risks.
• Emerging conservative techniques aim for delayed elective resection.

Purpose:

• To evaluate a novel laparoscopic approach for complicated diverticulitis.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of a two-stage laparoscopic procedure.

Summary:

• A new approach involves laparoscopic exploration, peritoneal lavage, and drainage, followed by elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection.
• Four patients with acute abdomen due to complicated diverticulitis, including one with perforation, were treated successfully.
• Patients recovered without complications, with a median hospital stay of 10 days after the second procedure.

Impact:

• This laparoscopic strategy presents an attractive alternative to traditional management for generalized peritonitis from perforated diverticulitis.
• Initial results suggest this approach is safe and effective in selected cases.
• Further research can validate this minimally invasive technique for complicated diverticulitis.