Elective laparoscopic colectomy for diverticular disease

Background: Colorectal colectomy is a less invasive thecnique that can be used for the treatment of diverticular disease, recently in younger patients. Aim: To report the experience with laparoscopic colectomy for diverticular disease. Material and Methods: All patients with indication for elective surgical resolution for diverticular disease were subjected to laparoscopic surgery from 1997 to 2009. The surgical protocols of these patients were analyzed. Results: Sixty patients with average age 53,8 (31 males) were operated in the period. Forty six were subjected to a sigmoidectomy and 14 to left hemicolectomy. Operative average time was 173 minutes and hospital stay 4,16 days. Three patients had to be converted to open surgery and three had complications that were managed without need of reoperation. During a median follow up of 38 months, the disease relapsed in two patients, which did not require a new intervention. Conclusions: Elective laparoscopic colectomy for diverticular disease is feasible and safe.