[Perforated diverticulitis of the colon: diagnosis and treatment]

Twelve cases are presented of perforated diverticulitis that required emergency surgical intervention. The present guidelines for surgical action are indicated for the different situations originated by perforated diverticulitis: localized peritonitis (pericolonic abscess), suppurated peritonitis and fecaloid peritonitis. The Hartman technique is explained as the method of choice for patients with generalized peritonitis.