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Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
Recurrence of diverticulitis after prophylactic sigmoidectomy: an underestimated problem?
Aubert Mathilde1, Diane Mege1, Marie Monsinjon1
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy and Université de Paris, France.
Postoperative recurrence of diverticulitis after prophylactic sigmoidectomy is rare at 7%. However, younger patients or those with multiple prior episodes face a higher risk, potentially up to 18%.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Diverticulitis recurrence risk after conservative treatment is well-documented.
- Limited research exists on postoperative recurrence of diverticulitis (PRD) following prophylactic sigmoidectomy (PS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of PRD after PS.
- To identify potential risk factors for PRD after surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic PS for diverticulitis (2005-2019).
- Assessment of PRD incidence and associated patient characteristics.
Main Results:
- Seven percent (26/364) of patients experienced PRD.
- Younger age (<50 years) and >2 prior diverticulitis episodes were independent risk factors for PRD.
- Patients with both factors had an 18% recurrence rate.
Conclusions:
- PRD after PS is uncommon but significant in specific patient groups.
- Prophylactic surgery may be questionable for patients with multiple prior episodes or younger age due to elevated recurrence risk.
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