Diverticular disease (DD) is the most frequent condition in the Western world that affects the colon. Although chronic mild inflammatory processes have recently been proposed as a central factor in DD, limited information is currently available regarding the role of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to assess the mucosal TNF-α levels in DD. We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify observational studies assessing the TNF-α levels in DD. Full-text articles that satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria were included, and a quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The principal summary outcome was the mean difference (MD). The results were reported as MD (95% confidence interval (CI)). A total of 12 articles involving 883 subjects were included in the qualitative synthesis, out of which 6 studies were included in our quantitative synthesis. We did not observe statistical significance related to the mucosal TNF-α levels in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) vs. the controls (0.517 (95% CI -1.148-2.182)), and symptomatic vs. asymptomatic DD patients (0.657 (95% CI -0.883-2.196)). However, the TNF-α levels were found to be significantly increased in DD compared to irritable bowel disease (IBS) patients (27.368 (95% CI 23.744-30.992)), and segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) vs. IBS patients (25.303 (95% CI 19.823-30.784)). Between SUDD and the controls, as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic DD, there were no significant differences in the mucosal TNF-α levels. However, the TNF-α levels were considerably higher in DD and SCAD patients than IBS patients. Our findings suggest that TNF-α may play a key role in the pathogenesis of DD in specific subgroups and could potentially be a target for future therapies.

There is a requirement for an expansive and up to date review of the management of emergency colorectal conditions seen in adults. The primary objective is to provide detailed evidence-based guidelines for the target audience of general and colorectal surgeons who are responsible for an adult population and who practise in Great Britain and Ireland.

Surgeons who are elected members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Emergency Surgery Subcommittee were invited to contribute various sections to the guidelines. They were directed to produce a pathology-based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence-based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after two votes were included in the guidelines.

All aspects of care (excluding abdominal trauma) for emergency colorectal conditions have been included along with 122 recommendations for management.

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence-based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of emergency colorectal conditions and should serve as practical text for clinicians managing colorectal conditions in the emergency setting.

Background and objectives: We present initial results from a small cohort series for a hospital protocol related to the emergency hospitalization decision-making process for acute diverticulitis. We performed a retrospective analysis of 53 patients with acute diverticulitis admitted to the Department of Emergency and Trauma Surgery of the "Azienda Ospedaliero Universiaria-Ospedali Riuniti" in Ancona and to the Department of General and Emergency Surgery of the "Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria" in Perugia. Materials and Methods: All patients were evaluated according to hemodynamic status: stable or unstable. Secondly, it was distinguished whether patients were suffering from complicated or uncomplicated forms of diverticulitis. Finally, each patient was assigned to a risk class. In this way, we established a therapeutic/diagnostic process for each group of patients. Results: Non-operative treatment (NonOP) was performed in 16 patients, and it was successful in 69% of cases. This protocol primarily considers the patient's clinical condition and the severity of the disease. It is based on a multidisciplinary approach, in order to implement the most suitable treatment for each patient. In stable patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis or complicated Hinchey grade 1 or 2 diverticulitis, the management is conservative. In all grade 3 and grade 4 forms, patients should undergo urgent surgery. Conclusions: This protocol, which is based on both anatomical damage and the severity of clinical conditions, aims to standardize the choice of the best diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for the patient in order to reduce mortality and morbidity related to this pathology.

Nowadays sigmoidectomy is recommended as "gold standard" treatment for generalized purulent or faecal peritonitis from sigmoid perforated diverticulitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic access versus open sigmoidectomy in acute setting.

A systematic literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs published in PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science.

The search yielded four non-RCTs encompassing 436 patients undergoing either laparoscopic (181 patients, 41.51%) versus open sigmoid resection (255 patients, 58.49%). All studies reported ASA scores, but only four studies reported other severity scoring systems (Mannheim Peritonitis Index, P-POSSUM). Level of surgical expertise was reported in only one study. Laparoscopy improves slightly the rates of overall post-operative complications and post-operative hospital stay, respectively (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.80 and MD -6.53, 95% CI -16.05 to 2.99). Laparoscopy did not seem to improve the other clinical outcomes: rate of Hartmann's vs anastomosis, operating time, reoperation rate and postoperative 30-day mortality.

In this review four prospective studies were included, over 20 + year period, including overall 400 + patients. This meta-analysis revealed significant advantages associated with a laparoscopic over open approach to emergency sigmoidectomy in acute diverticulitis in terms of postoperative complication rates, although no differences were found in other outcomes. The lack of hemodynamic data and reasons for operative approach hamper interpretation of the data suggesting that patients undergoing open surgery were sicker and these results must be considered with extreme caution and this hypothesis requires confirmation by future prospective randomised controlled trials.

The optimal time to perform elective surgery remains to be determined. We analyzed the impact of time interval to surgery on short-terme outcome parameters in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic left colonic resection for diverticulitis.

Retrospective analysis of two series of case-matched patients according to the timing of operation after the last episode of diverticulitis: group A (within 90 days) and group B (beyond 90 days).

332 patients had left colonic resection for diverticulitis. 117 patients were included in group A vs 114 patients in group B. Overall abdominal morbidity in Group A was 21% vs 5% in group B (p = 0.02). Mean hospital stay was 7.7 days in group A vs 5 days in group B (p = 0.08). Residual inflammation was significantly increased in group A (31%) as compared to group B (11%) (p = 0.01).

Laparoscopic left colonic resection for acute diverticulitis is best performed beyond the third month after the last acute episode.

Acute diverticulitis is a painful condition of the gastrointestinal tract that results from sudden inflammation of one or more diverticula in the bowel wall. Right-sided acute diverticulitis, such as cecal diverticulitis, is uncommon diagnosis that can be easily misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis as it shares similar clinical presentation. An unusual complication of right-sided acute diverticulitis such as perforated cecal diverticulitis has different management from acute appendicitis. Thus, definitive diagnosis of this clinical condition with imaging is crucial to optimal management. We report a case of 43-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with acute onset severe right lower quadrant abdominal pain associated with anorexia, fever, and nausea. Computed tomography scans obtained showed findings consistent with perforated diverticulitis limited to the cecum, and normal caliber appendix. Conservative medical treatment was decided based on localized imaging findings with excellent outcome.

Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is generally felt to be caused by obstruction and inflammation of a colonic diverticulum and occurs in about 4-5% of patients with diverticulosis. The cornerstone of AUD treatment has conventionally been antibiotic therapy, but with a paradigm shift in the underlying pathogenesis of the disease from bacterial infection to more of an inflammatory process, as well as concerns about antibiotic overuse, this dogma has recently been questioned. We will review emerging data that supports more selective antibiotic use in this population, as well as newer guidelines that advocate this position as well. While there are no discrete algorithms to guide us, we will attempt to suggest clinical scenarios where antibiotics may reasonably be withheld.

The objective of this article is to review the evolving role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of complicated diverticulitis.

The authors attempted to give readers a concise insight into the evidence available in the English language literature. This study does not offer a systematic review of the topic, rather it highlights the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of complicated diverticulitis.

New level 1 evidence suggest that observation rather than elective resection following nonoperative management of diverticulitis with abscess and/or extraluminal air is not below the standard of care. Implementation of nonoperative management may result in increased prevalence of sigmoid strictures.

Hartmann's procedure (HP) is commonly used for the emergency treatment of complicated sigmoid diverticulitis (CSD). It is intended to restore intestinal continuity; however, in practice, reversal is not carried out in all patients. It is important to know the frequency of reversal and the impact of patient-related factors on the decision for reversal.

A retrospective study was conducted on all patients who underwent HP for CSD at a tertiary referral hospital between 1 May 2005 and 31 December 2010. We assessed the frequency of reversal over time and the prognostic factors affecting the decision for reversal.

Of 67 patients [median age 76 (interquartile range: 68-81) years] who had HP for CSD, 28 (42%) underwent reversal. The cumulative incidence of reversal after 48 weeks was 48% (95% CI: 36-62%). Reversal was less likely in elderly patients [hazard ratio (HR) per decade increase = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26-0.71], with cardiac insufficiency or coronary heart disease (HR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.26-1.40) and with preoperative immunosuppression or chemotherapy (HR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.07-1.33). There was no apparent effect of these factors on mortality.

Approximately half of the patients having HP for CSD undergo reversal within 48 weeks of the initial operation. The finding that age, cardiac or coronary heart disease and preoperative immunosuppression or chemotherapy have an impact on the decision for reversal is relevant to healthcare professionals and patients.

Diverticular disease is common in industrialized countries. Computed tomography has been used as the preferred diagnostic method; although different scales haves been described to classify the disease, none of them encompass total disease aspects and behaviour.

To analyze the patients with acute diverticulitis confirmed by computed tomography at the ABC Medical Center Campus Observatorio from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012, in whom pericolic free air in the form of bubbles was identified by computed tomography and if this finding can be considered as a prognostic factor for the disease.

A series of 124 patients was analyzed who had acute diverticulitis confirmed by computed tomography, in order to identify the presence of pericolic bubbles.

Of the 124 patients, 29 presented with pericolic bubbles detected by computed tomography; of these, 62.1% had localized peritoneal signs at the time of the initial assessment, (P<.001); leukocytosis (13.33 vs 11.16, P<.001) and band count (0.97 vs 0.48, P<.001) was higher in this group. Patients with pericolonic bubbles had a longer hospital stay (5.5days vs 4.3days, P<.001) and started and tolerated liquids later (4.24days vs. 3.02days, P<.001) than the group of patients without this finding.

The presence of pericolic bubbles in patients with acute diverticulitis can be related to a more aggressive course of the disease.

The current surgical management of acute complicated diverticulitis has seen a major paradigm shift from routine operative intervention to a more conservative approach. This has been made possible by the widespread availability of computed tomography (CT) to enable stratification of the disease severity of acute complicated diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to retrospectively validate a CT grading system for acute complicated diverticulitis in the prediction of the need for operative or percutaneous intervention.

Hospital and radiology records were reviewed to identify patients with acute complicated diverticulitis confirmed by CT. A consultant gastrointestinal radiologist, blinded to the clinical outcomes of patients, assigned a score according to the CT grading system.

Three hundred and sixty-seven patients (34.6%) had CT performed for acute diverticulitis during the study period. Forty-four patients (12.0%) had acute complicated diverticulitis (abscess and/or free intraperitoneal air) confirmed on CT. There were 22 women (50%) and the overall median age was 59 years (range: 19-92 years). According to the CT findings, there was one case with grade 1, eighteen patients with grade 2, four with grade 3 and twenty-one with grade 4 diverticulitis. Three patients with grade 2, three patients with grade 3 and ten patients with grade 4 disease underwent acute radiological or surgical intervention.

The use of a CT grading system for acute complicated diverticulitis did not predict the need for acute radiological or operative intervention in this small study. Decision making guided by the patient's clinical condition still retains a primary role in the management of acute complicated diverticulitis.

Perforated diverticulitis (PD) remains a serious acute abdominal condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate indications for emergency surgery in patients ≥80 years of age with PD.

Twenty patients ≥80 years of age and 28 younger patients who underwent emergency surgery for PD from January 2002 to December 2011 were studied. The demographics and postoperative outcomes were compared.

The preoperative characteristics, mortality rate, and postoperative complications were similar between these two groups. All seven patients ≥80 years of age with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 2 survived after surgery. All five patients with a Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) score of ≥26 in the elderly group died after surgery. There were significant associations between the mortality, the MPI and ASA score in patients ≥80 years of age.

Best supportive care may be an alternative for patients ≥80 years of age with PD, an ASA score of ≥3 or an MPI score of ≥26.

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to test the hypothesis that adverse event rates following primary anastomosis (PRA) are not inferior to those following nonrestorative colon resection for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis.

Patients admitted for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis were randomly assigned to PRA (left colon resection with PRA and loop ileostomy) or nonrestorative colon resection (left colon resection with end colostomy). The endpoint was adverse events defined as mortality and morbidity following PRA or nonrestorative colon resection and stoma reversal. The estimated sample size was 300 patients in each study arm (alpha 0.10; 90% power).

During a 9-year period, 90 patients were randomly assigned to undergo PRA or nonrestorative colon resection in 14 centres in eight countries. Thirty-four PRA patients were comparable to 56 nonrestorative colon resection patients for age (P = 0.481), gender (P = 0.190), APACHE III (P = 0.281), Hinchey stage III vs IV (P = 0.394) and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (P = 0.145). There were no differences in operating time (P = 0.231), surgeries performed at night (P = 0.083), open vs laparoscopic approach (P = 0.419) and litres of peritoneal irrigation (P = 0.096). There was no significant difference in mortality (2.9 vs 10.7%; P = 0.247) and morbidity (35.3 vs 46.4%; P = 0.38) following PRA or nonrestorative colon resection. After a similar lag time (P = 0.43), 64.7% of PRA patients and 60% of nonrestorative colon resection patients underwent stoma reversal (P = 0.659). Adverse event rates following stoma reversal differed significantly after PRA and reversal of nonrestorative resection (4.5 vs 23.5%; P = 0.0589).

No conclusions may be drawn on preference of one treatment over another from this RCT because it was prematurely terminated following accrual of 15% of its sample size.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for locating the site of gastrointestinal tract perforations and to determine the most predictive signs in this diagnosis.

A total of 98 patients with pneumoperitoneum on MDCT were retrospectively analysed. Two experienced radiologists reviewed the presence or absence of direct signs (extravasation of oral contrast, focal defect in the bowel wall, focal defect with multiplanar reformations images) and indirect signs (free air in supramesocolic, inframesocolic, supramesocolic and inframesocolic compartments, concentration of extraluminal air bubbles adjacent to the bowel wall, extraluminal fluid, segmental bowel-wall thickening, perivisceral fat stranding, abscess) to identify the site of the perforation. The Kappa index was evaluated between radiologists to determine the site of perforation and for each predictive sign, as well as Kappa index between the site of perforation detected with MDCT and the site proven at surgery. The frequency, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated.

The perforation site was identified correctly in 80.4% of cases. Kappa index between radiologists to identify the site was excellent (0.919), varying between 0.5-1.0 for each radiological sign. The most frequent site of perforation at surgery (33.7%) and in MDCT (40.82%) was the sigmoid colon/rectum. Concentration of extraluminal air bubbles adjacent to the bowel wall was the most sensitive (91%) sign and "segmental bowel-wall thickening" had the highest PPV (90%).

MDCT is useful for locating the site of GI perforation, with a high sensitivity (80%) and an excellent agreement between radiologists.

The optimal timing of elective surgery in diverticulitis remains unclear. We attempted to investigate early elective versus late elective laparoscopic surgery in acute recurrent diverticulitis in a retrospective study.

Data of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for diverticulitis were retrospectively gathered, including Hinchey stages I-II a/b. the primary endpoint was in-hospital complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Secondary endpoints were surgical complications, operative time, conversion rate, and length of hospital stay.

Of 237 patients, 81 (34%) underwent early elective operation (group A) and 156 (66%) underwent late elective operation (group B). In-hospital complications developed in 32% in group A and in 34% in group B (risk difference 2%, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): -11%, 14%). Higher age (p = 0.048) and borderline higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p = 0.056) were risk factors for in-hospital complications. Severe surgical complications occurred in 9% of patients in group A and 10% in group B (risk difference 2%, 95% CI: -6%, 9%). Conversion rate was 9% in group A and 3% in group B (p = 0.070). Severity of disease did not seem to have an impact on complications or length of hospital stay. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 days in both groups (interquartile range 6-10). Mean operative time was 220 min (SD 64) in group A and 202 min (SD 48) in group B.

This is the first study comparing early versus late elective surgery for diverticulitis in terms of the postoperative outcome using a validated classification. Although the retrospective setting and large confidence intervals don't allow definitive recommendations, these results are of utmost importance for the design of future prospective, randomized controlled trials.

Large-bowel obstruction and perforation are still frequently occurring entities for the acute care surgeon. In these cases, Hartmann's procedure is the most commonly used surgical technique. However, recent papers demonstrate that colon resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) in the emergency setting is a safe and feasible procedure. We present our series of left colon resection and primary anastomosis procedures from Torrevieja Hospital (Alicante, Spain), performed without bowel irrigation or a diverting ileostomy.

Thirty-two RPA procedures were performed in emergency settings for perforation or obstruction, or both, during an 18-month period. The following data were prospectively collected: age, gender, nationality, diagnoses, ASA score, body mass index (BMI), POSSUM score (Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and morbidity), and the score according to the Hinchey classification. Furthermore, duration of the operation, length of postoperative hospital stay, and mortality and morbidity data were recorded.

Sixteen of these patients were diagnosed with acute diverticulitis, 14 patients with neoplasm (of which 9 cases had obstruction, 2 cases had perforation, and 3 cases had both), and foreign body perforation in the remaining 2 cases. The mean hospital stay was 7.8 (range, 4-10) days. The physiological POSSUM score was 24.4 (range, 15-39), and the surgical POSSUM score was 19.8 (range, 16-24). None of the patients died (0% mortality). Seven patients developed some kind of complication (21.9%), all of which were managed conservatively.

The results of this study suggest that RPA for left colon obstruction and perforation in emergency settings can be safely performed in certain surgical conditions.

This study was designed to compare laparoscopic peritoneal lavage and drainage (LLD) with laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure (LHP) in the management of perforated diverticulitis and to investigate a safer and more effective laparoscopic method for managing acute perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis.

A consecutive series of patients who underwent emergent LHP or LLD for perforated diverticulitis were identified from a prospectively designed database. All procedure-related information was collected and analyzed. P < 5 % was considered statistically significant in this study.

A total of 88 patients underwent emergent laparoscopic procedures (47 LLD and 41 LHP) between 1995 and 2010 for acute perforated diverticulitis. Diagnostic laparoscopy classified 74 (84.1 %) patients as Hinchey III or IV perforated diverticulitis. OT for LHP was 182 ± 54.7 min, and EBL was 210 ± 170.5 ml. Six LHP (14.6 %) were converted to open Hartmann's for various reasons. Moreover the rates of LHP-associated postoperative mortality and morbidity were 2.4 and 17.1 %, respectively. For LLD, the operating time was 99.7 ± 39.8 min, and blood loss was 34.4 ± 21.2 ml. Three patients (6.4 %) were reoperated for the worsening of septic symptoms during post-LLD course. Moreover, the patients with LHP had significantly longer hospital stay than the ones with LLD did (16.3 ± 10.1 vs. 6.7 ± 2.2 days, P < 0.01). In the long-term follow-up, the rate of colostomy closure for LHP is 72.2 %, and 21 of 47 patients who underwent LLD had elective sigmoidectomy for the source control with the rate of 44.7 %.

Both LHP and LLD can be performed safely and effectively for managing severe diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis. Compared with LHP, LLD does not remove the pathogenic source; however, the clinical application of this damage control operation to our patients showed significantly better short- and long-term clinical outcomes for managing perforated diverticulitis with various Hinchey classifications.

In patients presenting with acute diverticulitis (AD) and signs of acute peritonitis, the presence of extradigestive air (EDA) on a computer tomography (CT) scan is often considered to indicate the need for emergency surgery. Although the traditional management of "perforated" AD is open sigmoidectomy, more recently, laparoscopic drainage/lavage (usually followed by delayed elective sigmoidectomy) has been reported. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results of nonoperative management of emergency patients presenting with AD and EDA.

The outcomes of 39 consecutive hemodynamically stable patients (23 men, mean age = 54.7 years) who were admitted with AD and EDA and were managed nonoperatively (antibiotic and supportive treatment) at a tertiary-care university hospital between January 2001 and June 2010 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. These included morbidity (Clavien-Dindo) and treatment failure (need for emergency surgery or death). A univariate analysis of clinical, radiological, and laboratory criteria with respect to treatment failure was performed. Results of delayed elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy were also analyzed.

There was no mortality. Thirty-six of the 39 patients (92.3%) did not need surgery (7 patients required CT-guided abscess drainage). Mean hospital stay was 8.1 days. Duration of symptoms, previous antibiotic administration, severe sepsis, PCR level, WBC concentration, and the presence of abdominal collection were associated with treatment failure, whereas "distant" location of EDA and free abdominal fluid were not. Five patients had recurrence of AD and were treated medically. Seventeen patients (47.2%) underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for which mean operative time was 246 min (range = 100-450) and the conversion rate was 11.8%. Mortality was nil and the morbidity rate was 41.2%. Mean postoperative stay was 7.1 days (range = 4-23).

Nonoperative management is a viable option in most emergency patients presenting with AD and EDA, even in the presence of symptoms of peritonitis or altered laboratory tests. Delayed laparoscopic sigmoidectomy may be useless in certain cases and its results poorer than expected.

Hartmann's procedure (HP) still remains the most frequently performed procedure for diffuse peritonitis due to perforated diverticulitis. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of resection with primary anastomosis (RPA) in patients with purulent or fecal diverticular peritonitis and review morbidity and mortality after single stage procedure and Hartmann in our experience.

From January 1995 through December 2008, patients operated for generalized diverticular peritonitis were studied. Patients were classified into two main groups: RPA and HP.

A total of 87 patients underwent emergency surgery for diverticulitis complicated with purulent or diffuse fecal peritonitis. Sixty (69%) had undergone HP while RPA was performed in 27 patients (31%). At the multivariate analysis, RPA was associated with less post-operative complications (P < 0.05). Three out of the 27 patients with RPA (11.1%) developed a clinical anastomotic leakage and needed re-operation.

RPA can be safely performed without adding morbidity and mortality in cases of diffuse diverticular peritonitis. HP should be reserved only for hemodynamically unstable or high-risk patients. Specialization in colorectal surgery improves mortality and raises the percentage of one-stage procedures.

Colonic perforation is associated with abysmal outcome. The aims of our study were to review the surgical outcome of patients with perforated colon and to identify factors predicting peri-operative complications.

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgery for colonic perforation from January 2003 to August 2008 was performed. Patients with iatrogenic or traumatic perforation were excluded. The severity of abdominal sepsis was graded using the Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI).

A total of 129 patients, with median age of 65 years (22-97 years), formed the study group. While 29.5% had severe peritoneal contamination, 56.6% had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3. Sigmoid colon (47.3%) and caecum (24.8%) were the most common sites of perforation. Diverticulitis and malignancy were the diagnoses in 51.9% and 34.9%, respectively. Hartmann's procedure and right hemicolectomy were performed in 43.4% and 34.1% of the patients, respectively. Stoma was created in 59.7%. The in-hospital mortality rate in our series was 15.5%. After multivariate analysis, the independent variables associated with worse peri-operative complications were ASA score ≥3, MPI >26 and creation of stoma. Malignant perforation was associated with higher ASA score and lower haematocrit level compared to diverticular perforation. Stoma was created more frequently in patients with MPI >26 and left-sided perforation, and was associated with worse complications.

Surgery for colonic perforation is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Short-term outcome is determined by ASA score and severity of peritonitis. A lower haematocrit level must alert the possibility of malignancy.

Perforated diverticulitis with advanced generalized peritonitis is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency operation. To reduce the rate of colostomy formation, a new treatment algorithm with damage control operation, lavage, limited closure of perforation, abdominal vacuum-assisted closure (VAC; V.A.C.), and second look to restore intestinal continuity was developed.

This algorithm allowed for three surgical procedures: primary anastomosis +/- VAC in stable patients (group I), but damage control with lavage, limited resection of the diseased colonic segment, VAC and second-look operation with delayed anastomosis in patients with advanced peritonitis or septic shock (group II), and Hartmann procedure was done for social reasons in stable patients (group III) RESULTS: All 27 consecutive patients (16 women; median age 68 years) requiring emergency laparotomy for perforated diverticulitis (Hinchey III/IV) between October 2006 and September 2008 were prospectively enrolled in the study. No major complications were observed in group I (n = 6). Nine patients in group II (n = 15) had intestinal continuity restored during a second-look operation, of whom one patient developed anastomotic leakage. The median length of stay at intensive care unit was 5 days. Considering an overall mortality rate of 26% (n = 7), the rate of anastomosis in surviving patients was 70%.

Damage control with lavage, limited bowel resection, VAC, and scheduled second-look operation represents a feasible strategy in patients with perforated diverticulitis (Hinchey III and IV) to enhance sepsis control and improve rate of anastomosis.

To evaluate wall discontinuity, as observed using 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (64-MDCT), as a direct finding (DF) indicating the perforation site in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforations.

We retrospectively studied 41 consecutive patients presenting with acute abdomen and exhibiting extraluminal air (EA) on 64-MDCT. Three readers evaluated the distribution of EA, extraluminal faeces, dirty mass, dirty fat sign, extraluminal fluid collection and bowel wall thickening (i.e. conventional findings, CFs) as well as DFs.

Twenty-two cases were surgically or endoscopically confirmed to have upper GI tract perforations, and 19 had lower GI tract perforations. The DFs correctly identified the sites of perforation in 80.5% of patients when 2-mm-thick imaging slices were used. For the detection of upper GI tract perforations, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 95.5%, 94.7% and 95.1% for the DFs and 50.0%, 100% and 73.2% for the CFs, respectively. Significant differences in sensitivity (p < 0.001) and diagnostic accuracy (p < 0.05) were observed between the DFs and CFs for upper GI perforations but not for lower GI tract perforations.

DFs of the perforation site by using 64-MDCT were more sensitive and accurate than CFs for the detection of upper GI tract perforations.

The traditional therapy for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis with peritonitis is emergency colectomy usually with colostomy. We report laparoscopic exploration with peritoneal lavage as an alternative in seven patients who required emergency surgery for diverticulitis.

Six patients presented with diffuse peritonitis and one with a failure of percutaneous therapy. All patients were explored laparoscopically and the peritoneal cavity was lavaged with saline in addition to receiving intravenous antibiotics. Patient demographics, clinical response, length of stay, and complications were recorded.

Six patients had resolution of peritonitis resolved and patients were discharged from the hospital. One of these patients who developed a pelvic abscess required a percutaneous drainage postoperatively. This patient ultimately returned 3 months later with recurrent symptoms and underwent colectomy with primary anastomosis. One patient failed to improve initially and underwent colectomy with primary anastomosis on the same admission. Five patients subsequently had elective sigmoid resections, four laparoscopic and one open. Mean length of stay was 7.7 days. There was no mortality.

We conclude that laparoscopic exploration and peritoneal lavage can be performed safely in patients with diffuse, purulent peritonitis. Using this approach, most patients with purulent peritonitis can avoid emergent laparotomy with the risk of colostomy, and the need for a second surgery.

The term "diverticulitis" indicates the inflammation of a diverticulum or diverticula, which is accompanied by detectable or microscopical perforation. Diverticulitis is a common condition with an estimated incidence of 25%. At present, elective sigmoid resection is recommended after 2 episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis to prevent the serious complications of recurrent colonic diverticulitis. This guideline has been based on the assumption that recurrent episodes (2 or more) of diverticulitis will lead to complicated diverticulitis and higher mortality. The data to support this assumption are based on only a few small studies. Advances in diagnostic modalities, medical therapy, and surgical techniques over the past 2 decades have changed both the management and outcomes of diverticulitis. Many authors have shown that patients treated nonoperatively have a low risk of recurrent disease and would be expected to do well without elective colectomy.

Sigmoid diverticulosis remains a common disease in developed Western countries, and surgeons are frequently asked to manage diverticulitis and its complications. When to offer elective surgery to patients with uncomplicated, but recurrent, diverticulitis should be individualized, and practice recommendations by national societies continues to be debated. Complicated diverticulitis remains a surgically treated disease, and new technology such as colonic stents (for obstruction) and computed-tomography-guided percutaneous drainage (for abscess) have become bridging techniques to avoid two-stage operations in selected patients. Minimally invasive surgery for elective sigmoid resection has been shown to be safe and feasible and confers many patient-related short-term over traditional open surgery.

Complicated diverticular disease of the colon imposes a serious risk to patient's life, challenge to surgeons and has cost implications for health authority. The aim of this study is to evaluate the management outcome of complicated colonic diverticular disease in a district hospital and to explore the current strategies of treatment.

This is a retrospective study of all patients who were admitted to the surgical ward between May 2002 and November 2006 with a diagnosis of complicated diverticular disease. A proforma of patients' details, admission date, ITU admission, management outcomes and the follow up were recorded from the patients case notes and analyzed. The mean follow-up was 34 months (range 6-60 months)

The mean age of patients was 72.7 years (range 39-87 years). Thirty-one men (28.18 %) and Seventy-nine women (71.81%) were included in this study. Male: female ratio was 1:2.5.Sixty-eight percent of patients had one or more co-morbidities. Forty-one patients (37.27%) had two or more episodes of diverticulitis while 41.8% of them had no history of diverticular disease.Eighty-six percent of patients presented with acute abdominal pain while bleeding per rectum was the main presentation in 14%. Constipation and erratic bowel habit were the commonest chronic symptoms in patients with history of diverticular disease. Generalized tenderness was reported in 64.28% while 35.71% have left iliac fossa tenderness. Leukocytosis was reported in 58 patients (52.72%).The mean time from the admission until the start of operative intervention was 20.57 hours (range 4-96 hours). Perforation was confirmed in 59.52%. Mortality was 10.90%. Another 4 (3.63%) died during follow up for other reasons.

Complicated diverticular disease carries significant morbidity and mortality. These influenced by patient-related factors. Because of high mortality and morbidities, we suggest the need to target a specific group of patients for prophylactic resection.

The optimal treatment remains controversial for acute left-sided colon perforation. Therefore, the effectiveness and safety of primary anastomosis versus Hartmann's operation (HP) was compared in a case-matched control study.

Thirty consecutive patients with primary anastomosis and protective ileostomy (PAS) were matched to 30 HP patients, controlling for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, body mass index (BMI), and peritonitis severity (Hinchey). In a second analysis, PAS patients with purulent peritonitis (Hinchey 3) were matched to patients with primary anastomosis without ileostomy (PA).

Hospital mortality was similar between HP (17%) and PAS (10%). Complication frequency and severity (requiring re-intervention or admission to the Intensive Care Unit [ICU]) were comparable for the first operation (60% versus 56% and 30% versus 32%). The stoma reversal rate was higher in PAS than in HP (96% versus 60%, p = 0.001), with significantly fewer complications (23% versus 66%, p = 0.02), and lower severity (7% versus 33%, p = 0.02). Additional analysis of PAS versus PA showed similar morbidity (52% versus 41%, p = 0.45) and complication severity (18% versus 24%, p = 0.51), whereas overall operation time and hospital stay were significantly shorter in PA (169 versus 320 min, p = 0.003, 17 versus 28 days, p < 0.001).

Primary anastomosis and protective ileostomy is a superior treatment to HP in acute left-sided colon perforation. In the absence of feculent peritonitis an ileostomy appears unnecessary.

Surgical resection in acute diverticulitis is indicated after 2-4 episodes, as well as in patients with associated processes. However, the optimal time to perform elective surgery remains to be determined. Compared with open surgery, elective laparoscopic colectomy is associated with fewer postsurgical complications in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis. Nevertheless, the conversion rate to laparotomy is associated with an increase in postoperative morbidity.

We studied the impact of time interval to surgery on outcome parameters including operative incidents, postoperative complications and pathologic findings.

Retrospective analysis of two series of case-matched patients according to the timing of operation after the last episode of NCD: group A (within 90 days) and group B (beyond 90 days). Case matching was performed by a computer program according to age, sex, BMI, number of previous episodes, ASA score and prior abdominal surgery.

Between July 2000 and June 2004, 132 patients had LCR for NCD. 39 patients were included in group A (median: 40 days, range 21-90 days) vs 38 patients in group B (median: 170 days, range 91-375 days). No patient in either group underwent operation in an emergency setting while waiting for elective surgery. Conversion was required in 5 patients in group A (13%) vs 2 patients in group B (5%) (p = 0.11). Overall abdominal morbidity in Group A was 21% vs 5% in group B (p = 0.02). Mean hospital stay was 7.7 days in group A vs 5.0 days in group B (p = 0.08). Residual inflammation was significantly increased in group A (31%) as compared to group B (11%) (p = 0.01).

Laparoscopic left colonic resection for acute diverticulitis is best performed beyond the third month after the last acute episode.

Purulent or fecal peritonitis is one of the most serious complications of acute diverticulitis. Up to one-fourth of patients hospitalized for acute diverticulitis require an emergent operation for a complication, including abscess, peritonitis, or stenosis. Open Hartmann's procedure has been the operation of choice for these patients. The advantages of laparoscopy could be combined with those of the primary resection in selected patients with peritonitis complicating acute diverticulitis. However, because of technical difficulties and the theoretic risk of poorly controlled sepsis, laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure has been seldom reported for such patients.

Data were prospectively collected from 2003 to 2005 in a single referral center specialized in abdominal emergencies. Laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure (Stage 1) was performed in selected patients with peritonitis complicating acute diverticulitis. Secondarily, Hartmann's reversal (Stage 2) also was performed laparoscopically.

Thirty-one patients were studied. The median Mannheim Peritonitis Index score was 21 (+/-5; range, 12-32). The conversion rate was 19 and 11 percent for Stage 1 and Stage 2, respectively. There was no perioperative uncontrolled sepsis. Overall operative 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 3 and 23 percent for Stage 1, and 0 and 15 percent for Stage 2, respectively. Stoma reversal was possible in 90 percent of patients.

The results of this small series demonstrated that the indications of laparoscopy in diverticulitis could be extrapolated to selected patients with peritonitis. The technical feasibility and safety of laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure in selected patients seem acceptable. However, larger-scale, controlled studies are needed to define more accurately the role of laparoscopy in complicated diverticulitis.

To determine the safety and feasibility of primary resection and anastomosis with or without a diverting stoma, as compared to Hartmann's procedure, for patients with acute complicated sigmoid diverticulitis.

MEDLINE was searched for studies and trials conducted between 1966 and December 2003. This search revealed trials comparing primary resection and anastomosis to Hartmann's procedure. The term "diverticulitis, colonic" with the sub-heading "surgery" was used and the search was limited to human studies and clinical trials. Additional studies were found using the MeSH terms: "surgical procedures, operative", "surgical anastomosis", and "Hartmann procedure", combined with the term "diverticulitis, colonic". The author also searched EMBASE and the Cochrane database for clinical trials using similar terminology. No language restrictions were applied.

Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria and reported 884 patients with acute complicated diverticulitis. None of these studies were randomised; it is likely that there was a significant degree of selection bias. No significant differences were found between primary resection with anastomosis and Hartmann's procedure with respect to mortality, morbidity, sepsis, wound complications and duration of procedure and anti-biotic treatment. Some studies found that primary anastomosis and a protecting stoma, with or without intra-operative colonic lavage, have more favourable results than Hartmann's procedure.

This review suggests that surgical resection and primary anastomosis in acute diverticulitis with peritonitis compares favourably with Hartmann's procedure in terms of peri-operative complications. The need for revision of Hartmann's procedure could be subsequently avoided. Some articles showed that patients with severe peritonitis, who had a diverting stoma, in the setting of resection and primary anastomosis, had the lowest complication rate. However, the quality of these studies was poor with the presence of selection bias.

To compare primary resection and anastomosis (PRA) with and without defunctioning stoma to Hartmann's procedure (HP) as the optimal operative strategy for patients presenting with Hinchey stage III-IV, perforated diverticulitis.

The choice of operation for perforated diverticulitis lies between HP and PRA. Postoperative mortality and morbidity can be high, and the long-term consequences life-altering, with no established criteria guiding clinicians towards selecting a particular procedure.

Probability estimates for 6879 patients with Hinchey III-IV perforated diverticulitis were obtained from two databases (n = 204), supplemented by expert opinion and summary data from 12 studies (n = 6675) published between 1980 and 2005. The primary outcome was quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained from each strategy. Factors considered were the risk of permanent stoma, morbidity, and mortality from the primary or reversal operations. Decision analysis from the patient's perspective was used to calculate the optimal operative strategy and sensitivity analysis performed.

A total of 135 PRA, 126 primary anastomoses with defunctioning stoma (PADS), and 6619 Hartmann's procedures (HP) were considered. The probability of morbidity and mortality was 55% and 30% for PRA, 40% and 25% for PADS, and 35% and 20% for HP, respectively. Stomas remained permanent in 27% of HP and in 8% of PADS. Analysis revealed the optimal strategy to be PADS with 9.98 QALYs, compared with 9.44 QALYs after HP and 9.02 QALYs after PRA. Complications after PRA reduced patients QALYs to a baseline of 2.713. Patients with postoperative complications during both primary and reversal operations for PADS and HP had QALYs of 0.366 and 0.325, respectively. HP became the optimal strategy only when risk of complications after PRA and PADS reached 50% and 44%, respectively.

Primary anastomosis with defunctioning stoma may be the optimal strategy for selected patients with diverticular peritonitis as may represent a good compromise between postoperative adverse events, long-term quality of life and risk of permanent stoma. HP may be reserved for patients with risk of complications >40% to 50% after consideration of long-term implications.

Our understanding of complicated diverticulitis is based on outdated literature. Antecedent episodes of diverticulitis are felt to increase the risk of developing complicated diverticulitis, as well as its subsequent morbidity and mortality. Practice parameters recommend elective resection after 2 episodes of diverticulitis to reduce this morbidity and mortality.

A total of 150 patients with prior episodes of diverticulitis who were hospitalized with complicated diverticulitis were retrospectively analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi and Fisher exact test tests.

Patients were separated into 2 groups for analysis: group A = those with 1 or 2 prior diverticulitis episodes (n = 118) versus group B = patients with more than 2 prior episodes (n = 32). Characteristics of the groups were similar for age and preexistent comorbid conditions. The majority of patients presented with pericolonic abscess and inflammatory phlegmon. Perforated diverticulitis occurred more often in group A compared with patients with >2 episodes of diverticulitis. Because of the higher rate of perforation, patients in group A underwent surgical diversion more often than group B patients. No significant differences in operative complications, morbidity, or mortality rates were identified between the groups.

Patients with multiple (>2) episodes of diverticulitis are not at increased risk for poor outcomes if they develop complicated diverticulitis. Morbidity and mortality rates are not significantly different between patients with multiple episodes of diverticulitis compared with those with 1 or 2 prior attacks. Reevaluation of the practice of elective resection as a strategy for reducing the mortality and morbidity from complicated diverticulitis is needed.

Prognostic evaluation of patients with left colonic perforation is useful in predicting mortality. The aims of this prospective study were to determine the prognostic value of the left colonic Peritonitis Severity Score (PSS) and to compare it with the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI).

One-hundred and fifty-six patients underwent emergency operation for distal colonic peritonitis. The PSS and MPI were calculated for each patient. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the association between the two scores. The predictive power of the two scoring systems and their differences were studied using the area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve.

Forty-one patients died (26.3 per cent). The relationship between scores and mortality was statistically significant for each scoring system (P < 0.001). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient for the correlation between the MPI and PSS was 0.55 (P < 0.001). There was no difference between areas under the ROC curves for the two systems.

The PSS and MPI are both well validated scoring systems for left colonic peritonitis. Their routine use might allow stratification of patients according to mortality risk.

The choice of operation for diverticular disease is a contentious issue, particularly in patients with acute symptoms. This study compares early outcomes between primary resection and anastomosis and Hartmann's resection and describes a propensity score for the selection of patients for nonrestorative procedures.

Data were collected from 731 patients undergoing primary resection and anastomosis (Group 1) and 123 patients undergoing primary Hartmann's resection (Group 2) for diverticular disease in a single tertiary referral center from January 1981 to May 2003. Multifactorial logistic regression was used to develop a propensity score for estimating the likelihood of performing a nonrestorative procedure.

Operative 30-day mortality and surgical or medical complications were 0.7 percent, 26.0 percent, and 4.8 percent for primary resection and anastomosis and 12 percent, 43.9 percent, and 14.6 percent for Hartmann's resection, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the readmission rates between primary resection and anastomosis and Hartmann's resection (7.6 percent vs. 9.9 percent, P = 0.428). Laparoscopy was used for 32.7 percent of primary resection and anastomosis vs. 1.6 percent for Hartmann's resection (P < 0.001). Independent predictors in favor for Hartmann's resection were body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2 (odd's ratio = 2.32), Mannheim peritonitis index >10 (odd's ratio = 6.75), operative urgency (emergency, urgent vs. elective surgery, odd's ratio = 16.08 vs. 13.32), and Hinchey stage > II (odd's ratio = 27.82). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the choice of operative procedure was 93.9 percent.

Although Hartmann's resection was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative adverse events, the choice of operation was dependent on the patient presentation and intra-abdominal contamination, which can be quantified in the preoperative setting by the Cleveland Clinic diverticulitis propensity score.

To assess the value of computed tomography (CT) in patients with acute perforated sigmoid diverticulitis in correlation with the Hinchey classification of perforated diverticular disease.

Thirty patients with acute perforated sigmoid diverticulitis underwent computed tomography prior to surgery. Computed tomography scans were compared with the surgical and histopathological reports, utilizing the Hinchey classification.

In 28 of the 30 (93%) patients examined, the Hinchey stage was correctly determined by means of computed tomography. One patient with Hinchey stage IV was falsely classified as Hinchey stage III, and one patient with Hinchey stage III as Hinchey stage II. Computed tomography revealed 12 out of 14 (86%) patients with perforation sites and 3 out of 3 (100%) patients with contained perforation. In one of 17 (6%) patients with surgically or histopathologically proven perforation or contained perforation, a bowel wall discontinuity was revealed by computed tomography. In 6 of the 17 (35%) patients with surgical or histopathological perforation or contained perforation, extraluminal contrast material was detected by computed tomography.

Computed tomography is a valuable imaging tool for determining the degree of acute perforated sigmoid diverticulitis, by means of which patients can be stratified according to the severity of the disease; furthermore, this tool is of assistance in surgical planning.