Increasing primary anastomosis rate over time for the operative management of acute diverticulitis

Over the past two decades, there has been mounting evidence that primary anastomosis (PA) is a safe alternative to Hartmann's procedure (HP) in acute diverticulitis. In addition, specialized colorectal surgeons are more likely to perform PA. This study aimed to analyse if this evidence has led to an increase in the rate of PA in a major tertiary institution over time.

A retrospective observational study of patients requiring operative management of acute diverticulitis from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2015 at a tertiary teaching hospital.

One hundred and eighteen patients underwent surgery for acute diverticulitis. Patients who failed initial conservative management were more likely to have PA (43% versus 21%, P = 0.044). There was no difference in medical or surgical complications, readmission rate or mortality between patients who had a PA compared with HP. Patients were more likely to have a PA if a colorectal surgeon was operating compared with a colorectal surgery fellow or general surgeon (36% versus 19% versus 10%, P = 0.039). In patients with modified Hinchey 0-2, there was an increased PA rate within the study period, 21%, 43%, 63% to 57% from the first to the fourth quartile of patients (P = 0.038).

The mounting evidence for the safety of performing PA has led to an increase in the PA rates for acute diverticulitis. Patients who were operated by a colorectal surgeon were more likely to have a PA. The morbidity and mortality were similar in patients who had PA compared with HP.