Timing and results of the surgical treatment of the diverticular disease of the colon

AIMS: To evaluate retrospectively the outcome of the curative open and laparoscopic surgical approach to the diverticular disease according to timed steps based on the pathologic stage. PATIENT AND MATERIAL: From 1989 83 out of 242 outpatients underwent surgery in emergency or after medical failure and at least two acute attacks requiring hospital admittance, or complicated diverticulitis. Modified Hinchey classification staged the disease. Clinic and instrumental criteria, surgical procedures, early and late complications were statistically evaluated (Student's t-test and exact Fischer test, p 55yrs.) showed a significant lower complications' incidence (p<0.05) compared to the 8 weeks delayed operations. CONCLUSION: Surgery of diverticulitis must follow standardized criteria. The laparoscopic approach could be performed in more severe stages, provided that conditions of delayed emergency were achieved.