Surgical management of complicated diverticulitis.

Abstract

THE morbidity associated with the surgical treatment of diverticulitis remains high. In the experience of the Lahey Clinic some complication has developed in 30 per cent of the patients with diverticulitis — obstruction or perforation of the colon, or a fistula between the colon and bladder, or colon and vagina. When these complications do occur, a long period in the hospital, multiple operations and months of disability are all too frequently the result. There are two ways in which this situation can and should be improved. In the first place, one must avoid inadequate surgical procedures in patients with complicated . . .