The clinical spectrum of
diverticular disease varies from asymptomatic
diverticulosis to symptomatic disease with potentially fatal complications, such as perforation or
bleeding. While the presence of
diverticula is common, symptomatic
diverticulitis is relatively uncommon, occurring in an estimated 10-30 % of patients. There is continued debate as to whether patients should undergo elective resection for
diverticular disease and regarding the role of
minimally invasive surgery. Since the first publication on laparoscopic colorectal procedures, the interest in
minimally invasive surgery has kept growing. Laparoscopic sigmoid resection with restoration of continuity is currently the prevailing modality for treating acute and recurrent sigmoid
diverticulitis. However, it still remains unclear whether laparoscopy should be recommended also for complicated sigmoid
diverticulitis. The potential benefits of reduced
pain and
analgesic requirements, smaller
scars, and shorter
hospital stay but longer
operative times are appealing to both patients and surgeons. Nevertheless, there many concerns regarding the time and the type of surgery. Although the role of
minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of
colonic diseases is progressively increased, current randomized controlled trials should demonstrate whether laparoscopic lavage, Hartmann's procedure or resection and anastomosis achieve the best results for patients. This review aimed to analyze the results of laparoscopic colonic resection for patients with uncomplicated and complicated forms of sigmoid
diverticular disease and to determine what stages profit from a laparoscopic procedure and whether the approach can be performed with a low complication rate even for patients with complicated forms of the disease.