Minimally Invasive Surgery for Complicated Diverticulitis

Recent guidelines recommend an individualized approach to recurrent uncomplicated diverticulitis, reflecting research showing that non-operative treatment is safe. Thus, the majority of operations for diverticulitis in the future may be for complicated indications. A laparoscopic approach may be used for both acute and chronic complicated diverticulitis in appropriate patients, as described in the American and European guidelines. However, a safe approach to minimally invasive surgery requires recognition when conditions deteriorate or are not suited to laparoscopy as well as knowledge of a variety of technical maneuvers that elucidate difficult anatomy and facilitate resection. Primary anastomosis with or without diversion can be performed safely, and ileostomy reversal is significantly less morbid than Hartmann’s (colostomy) reversal. Success in laparoscopy can be achieved with the use of adjunct techniques and technologies, including ureteral stents, hand ports, and hybrid approaches. When completed successfully, a laparoscopic approach has been shown to confer decreased ileus, length of stay, post-operative pain, surgical site infection, and ventral hernia compared to an open approach.