Sigmoid diverticulitis represents a most common gastroenterological diagnosis in the
western world. There has been a significant change in the management of recurrent
uncomplicated diverticulitis in the last 10 to 15 years. The absolute number of previous
episodes is not used as criteria to recommend surgery anymore. Young age is no longer
considered to be an indication for more aggressive surgical treatment. It is accepted
that subsequent episodes of diverticulitis are not significantly worse than the first
episode. Laparoscopic surgery is now the standard of care for elective surgery for
diverticulitis where expertise is available. There is a consensus that decision to
perform sigmoid colectomy should be individualized, after careful risk benefit assessment.
Keywords
diverticulitis - recurrent - surgery
