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  • Title: [Surgical treatment of diverticulitis of the large intestine--a plea for early elective resection].
    Author: Hansen O, Zarras K, Graupe F, Dellana M, Stock W.
    Journal: Zentralbl Chir; 1996; 121(3):190-200. PubMed ID: 8867345.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: Diverticulitis of the colon is observed more and more frequently in highly developed countries. The spontaneous course of the disease is not predictably; an exact definition of risk factors for perforated diverticulitis is missing. Therefore the decision for the conservative therapy or for an early elective resection is subject of a controversial discussion. The results of an offensive surgical concept, aiming at an early elective resection for definite therapy of diverticulitis have been analysed in a retrospective study. RESULTS: From 1980-1995 337 patients were operated due to diverticular disease (rate of resection: 98.8%). In spite of the increase of cases with severe complicated diverticulitis from 36.2% (1980-1985) to 45.8% (1991-1995; p = 0.05) the incidence of protective colostomies decreased from 18.8% in the first six years to 0.6% (n = 1) in the last 4 1/2 years (p < 0.001). After elective resection general complications occurred in 30.1% (n = 101), local complications in 17.0% (n = 57). The clinical anastomotic leakage rate was 2.1% (n = 7). During the study the morbidity rate decreased significantly (p < 0.005). Especially the incidence of nosocomial infections was reduced from 37.7% (1980-1985) to 14.8% (1991-1995); severe local complications (anastomotic leakage, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, hemorrhage, abscess) were reduced from 10.1% (1980-1985) to 3.2% (1991-1995). The mortality rate was 1.2% (n = 4). CONCLUSION: By consistent early elective resection of diverticulitis together with a standardized surgical management a definitive treatment of diverticulitis with a high and safe standard is possible. Already after the first severe attack of the disease, which leads to hospitalization, the early elective resection allows the definite cure for diverticular disease analogous to cholecystectomy or appendectomy, avoiding the life threatening complications.
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