[Thoughts on the treatment of diverticular sigmoiditis. Apropos of 191 cases]

Between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1993, we treated 191 patients with diverticular sigmoiditis. Three groups of patients were distinguished in this retrospective study. In group 1, there were 108 patients (56.5%) who were referred by gastroenterologists after one or two episodes of sigmoiditis and who underwent planned exeresis. In group 2, there were 42 patients (21.9%) in whom the sigmoiditis was revealed by a complication and who underwent and emergency procedure. In group 3, there were 41 patients (21.6%) over 70 years of age with major risk for anesthesia and/or surgery who were treated medically. Mortality, morbidity and duration of hospital stay were analyzed by group. Operative mortality was 0.92, 19 and 7.3% respectively. Operative morbidity among the survivors was 21 and 35% in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Mean hospital stay varied from 15 days for planned procedures up to 20 days for emergency surgery. It was 9 days in group III. These findings recall the need for radical preventive exeresis for diverticular sigmoiditis.