Laparoscopic one-stage resection of right and left colon complicated diverticulitis equivalent to hinchey stage I–II

Purpose The safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery is well established for recurrent, uncomplicated diverticular disease, but not for complicated diverticular disease. Using the Hinchey classification, we compared laparoscopic colon resection (LAPH) with conventional open colon resection (OPH) for the treatment of complicated diverticulitis equivalent to Hinchey stage I–II. Methods In this study, the Hinchey classification (I–IV) was also adopted for right-sided diverticulitis (I′–IV′). We reviewed the clinical records of 58 patients who underwent colon resection for complicated colon diverticulitis (Hinchey stage I–IV or I′–IV′) between May 1994 and December 2008. Fifty-two patients underwent colon resection for Hinchey I–II or I′–II′ disease; as LAPH in 36 and as OPH in 16. Only one patient required conversion to the open procedure after laparoscopy. Results The overall complication rate was significantly higher in the OPH group (43.8%) than in the LAPH group (16.7%; P < 0.05). Wound infection was significantly more common in the OPH group (37.5%) than in the LAPH group (11.1%; P < 0.05). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LAPH group ( P < 0.05). Hartmann procedure was performed in one patient from each group. No anastomotic leakage occurred in either group. Conclusion Our findings indicate that laparoscopic surgery can be performed safely and effectively even for patients with Hinchey I–II, I′–II′ colonic diverticulitis.