OBJECTIVE:

The management of diverticulosis related diseases which are the most common diseases of the colon is based the severity of the disease. In this study we retrospectively investigated the patients who had been treated for diverticular disease or diverticulitis in our clinic.

METHODS:

The medical records of 73 patients who had been managed for diverticulosis related diseases in Uludag University School of Medicine, Department of General Surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' demographics, disease characteristics and treatment methods were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Twenty six patients were treated for diverticular disease and 47 patients were treated for diverticulitis. Dietary management was a sufficient treatment for patients with diverticular disease. Of the 47 patients with diverticulitis, 19 had grade I, 6 had grade II, 13 had grade III, 8 had grade IV and 1 hade complicated (fistula) disease. 15 of the 19 patients with grade I disease were medically managed whereas 4 underwent surgery. 3 of the patients with grade II disease had percutaneous drainage, 2 had surgical treatment and 1 had medical therapy. Patients with grade II and III diseases underwent surgery. The morbidity rate in this series was 17% and mortality was 4.3%. Mortality occurred just in patient with grade III or IV diseases.

CONCLUSION:

Dietary management is sufficient for diverticular disease. Patients with grade I diverticulitis can be managed with medical treatment whereas patients with more advanced disease should receive percutaneous drainage and/or surgical therapy. By this way, patients with diverticulitis could successfully be managed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates.

Keywords: Diverticular disease, diverticulitis, surgery, therapy