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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2004; 17(3): 183-186
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-832700
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Elective Surgical Treatment of Diverticulitis

Brett T. Gemlo1
  • 1Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 August 2004 (online)

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Elective surgical resection in cases of diverticulitis should be offered to patients who have experienced two episodes. High-risk patients such as immunocompromised individuals or transplant patients may warrant resection after one episode. It is controversial whether young patients or patients with right-sided diverticulitis need to be treated differently. Chronic diverticulitis can be successfully treated surgically in selected cases. Adequate surgical resection margins should include the top of the true rectum and the proximal extent of thickened inflamed colon to minimize the risk of recurrence. Careful operative planning and the use of proximal diversion if unsuspected significant inflammatory changes are encountered will improve surgical outcomes.

KEYWORDS

Diverticular disease - elective surgery - right-sided diverticulitis - patient selection - temporary diversion

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Brett T GemloM.D. 

Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Minnesota

121 Virginia St., St. Paul, MN 55102

Email: Gemlo001@umn.edu

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