ABSTRACT

Objective:

We aimed to present our treatment approach and results of the treatment in patients with the diagnosis of sigmoid diverticulitis.

Material and Methods:

In this study, we evaluated patients who presented to the emergency unit between March 2009 and February 2010 and have been diagnosed with sigmoid diverticulitis. The data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Our patients were classified and staged according to Hinchey’s classification system. The results of the treatment, complication rates, and duration of hospitalization were presented in the light of the literature.

Results:

Thirteen patients (9 males, 4 females) with a mean age of 52 years and median age of 58 (35-58 years) were diagnosed with sigmoid diverticulitis. Five patients underwent laparotomy (Hinchey III-IV), while Hartmann’s procedure was carried out in 4 patients and resection and primer anastomosis was performed in 1 patient. Eight patients who were classified as Hinchey I-II (diverticulitis-abscess) were followed up with medical treatment. The mean duration of hospitalization was 8.6 (4-21 days) and 17.4 (10-27 days) days in Hinchey I-II and III-IV groups, respectively. All patients in the laparotomy group developed at least one complication.

Conclusion:

Hinchey stage III-IV sigmoid diverticulitis requires laparotomy. Complication rates are higher and duration of hospitalization is longer in patients with Hinchey stage III-IV when compared to those with Hinchey I-II. We conclude that Hinchey stage I-II diverticulitis can be successfully managed with medical treatment.