Diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is a common problem affecting the colon in developed countries. It causes significant cost to healthcare systems and leads to significant morbidity and mortality associated with its complications which include abscess formation, perforation, bleeding and colonic obstruction. The management of acute diverticular sepsis has evolved to include both radiological and surgical options of drainage as well as resectional surgery for more widespread sepsis. The developing use of laparoscopic surgery has further use within the management of the emergency patient as well as the elective setting including in diverticular surgery. The role of surgery in the elective setting is controversial and varied. We examine the evidence behind the management of this common and complex pathology.