Timing of laparoscopic elective surgery for acute left colonic diverticulitis. Retrospective analysis of 332 patients

Abstract

PurposeThe 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. Materials and methodsRetrospective 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). Results332 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). ConclusionsLaparoscopic left colonic resection for acute diverticulitis is best performed beyond the third month after the last acute episode.