Surgical treatment of acute complicated diverticulitis

Diverticular disease is a common condition in the western countries. Possible complications of acute diverticulitis include perforation, obstruction, fistula, bleeding: all these conditions generally require surgical treatment. Data were collected from 35 patients who underwent an emergency operation for diverticulitis associated with abscess, free perforation or obstruction. Of the 35 patients, 20 underwent primary colonic resection and anastomosis, whereas 15 underwent Hartmann's procedure. We have obtained good results, with a mortality rate of 5,7% and a morbidity rate of 17,1%. We then evaluate feasibility and safety of both surgical techniques, on the basis of our experience and by a review of the literature.