title: Emergency laparoscopic management of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis: a promising alternative to more radical procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Classic emergency surgical management of complicated perforated sigmoid diverticulitis is based on the principle of a two-stage operation, with colon resection and temporary stoma (Hartmann's procedure). But the later second-stage operation can be technically difficult and can be associated with a significant morbidity rate. We argue that laparoscopy may be beneficial in such patients with peritonitis in terms of operative results and could facilitate later surgical management.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied all consecutive patients with perforated sigmoid diverticulitis requiring emergency surgery between January 2000 and December 2004.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four patients underwent emergency laparoscopic management for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis. Nineteen patients (80%) were found to have a purulent or fecal diffuse peritonitis. No conversion and colostomy were necessary. The overall morbidity rate was 8%; 2 patients with pelvic abscesses required radiologic drainage. The median hospital stay was 12 days (range 7 to 35 days). Prophylactic sigmoid resection was performed by laparoscopy in all patients, with a conversion rate of 16%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic treatment of generalized peritonitis secondary to diverticulitis is feasible and safe and may be a promising alternative to more radical surgery in selected patients, avoiding fecal diversion and allowing a delayed elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Digestive Surgery, Trousseau Hospital, Tours, France.
authors.forename: Frederic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bretagnol
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pautrat
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mor
authors.forename: Zin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Benchellal
authors.forename: Noel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Huten
authors.forename: Loik
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: de Calan
mesh_terms: D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*