Complicated Diverticulitis of the Sigmoid: A Prospective Study Concerning Primary Resection with Secure Primary Anastomosis

BACKGROUND: The Hartmann procedure remains the standard concerning the surgical treatment of acute complicated sigmoid diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to prove the possibility of performing a secure primary anastomosis without colostomy in patients with complicated acute diverticulitis. METHODS: From June 1988 to October 1996, 113 patients suffering from acute complicated sigmoid diverticulitis were included in this prospective study. Within 24-48 h of hospital admission, when symptoms of the illness persisted despite the use of antibiotic therapy, the patients underwent primary resection of the sigmoid. In all patients primary anastomosis was performed, using CEEA staplers, avoiding colostomy and intraoperative colon irrigation. RESULTS: During the observation period of 19 days, there was no anastomotic leakage found either by radiological methods or clinical parameters. Two patients died of early septic complications, 1 of therapy-resistant endocarditis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate the safety of primary anastomosis after primary resection of the sigmoid under antibiotic conditions, avoiding the disadvantages associated with two-stage procedures.