ABSTRACT
Diverticular disease of the colon is a common condition, predominant in Western societies, that generates a significant socioeconomic burden. The prevalence of diverticulosis is age-related in Western societies, affecting only 5% of individuals less than 40 years of age, but involving two-thirds of adults over the age of 65. Complicated diverticulitis refers to cases in which patients present with an abscess, perforation, stricture, fistula formation, or sepsis. Approximately 22% of patients admitted for diverticulitis will undergo surgery for the management of their complicated disease. In this chapter, the authors review the existing evidence in the literature regarding the management of colonic diverticular disease, including indications for elective operative management, the role of the patient's age in operative decision-making, optimal operative management in the acute setting, the role of laparoscopy in the acute setting, and the prevention of recurrent attacks.
