Abscess management in left-sided diverticulitis

Despite the high success rate of initial nonoperative management in patients with a diverticulitis-related pericolonic abscess, about 20% of these patients will require urgent colectomy. While recurrence rates after successful medical management of diverticular abscesses are high, it is within the standard of care to consider both interval elective resection and long-term nonoperative management. In summary, a decision regarding elective resection after successful nonoperative management of diverticular abscess should balance the individual patient's risk of recurrence and the associated potential morbidity and mortality versus the risk of an elective surgery. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.