Objective: Until recently the laparoscopic approach was reserved for uncomplicated diverticular disease. We show that fistulating diverticular disease can be resected safely, with good clinical outcome via a laparoscopic approach.
Method: Between April 1994 and May 2005, 31 consecutive patients [17 male, median age of 63 years (range 40-85)], underwent attempted laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae. Patient data were prospectively recorded.
Results: There were 22 colovesical and nine colovaginal fistulae. The median operative time was 150 min (range 60-310) and the median postoperative stay was 7 days (range 3-21). Conversion to an open procedure was required in nine of 31 patients (29%). This rate fell to 10% in cases performed after April 2000. There were two nonsurgically related postoperative deaths. Both occurred in the converted group. At 3 months follow-up, two patients complained of frequency of stools, which settled by 6 months. To date there has been no recurrence of symptomatic diverticulosis or fistulation.
Conclusion: Totally laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae is safe and feasible. Fistulae should not be considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic resection for an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.