Emergency surgical treatment in complicated diverticulitis: a systematic review

Bowel diverticula are caused by mucosal herniation’s that protrude through points of the bowel wall weakened by entry of blood vessels. Increase of life expectancy in the world, has led to growing prevalence of diverticular diseases. It is estimated that 30% of the population over the age of 60 and perhaps 60% of the population over the age of 80 may be affected. Only 20% of cases are diagnosed in patients younger than 50 years old. In these patients prognosis is poor and treatment is challenging often-requiring surgery. Diverticulitis refers to the presence of inflammation in the diverticula, often located in the sigmoid. 1-4 Diverticulitis is an acute process developed by the inflammation or perforation of one or more diverticula. 15-30% of patients admitted for management of diverticulitis will need surgery during their admission, with an 18% mortality rate. 5