Advanced age is an independent predictor for increased morbidity and mortality after emergent surgery for diverticulitis

Background The objectives of our study were to determine the association between age and postoperative outcomes after emergency surgery for diverticulitis and to identify risk factors for postoperative mortality among elderly patients. Methods All patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005–2009 Participant User Files undergoing emergent surgery for diverticulitis were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between age and postoperative morbidity and mortality after adjustment for perioperative variables. A separate regression model was used to determine risk factors for postoperative mortality among elderly patients, with specific postoperative complications being included as potential predictors. Results We included 2,264 patients for analysis, of whom 1,267 (56%) were