Morbi-mortality of surgical management in emergency of complicated diverticular sigmoiditis, retrospective monocentric study

Introduction

Sigmoidal diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of a diverticulum. It may be simple or complicate into an abscess, perforation, stenosis or fistula. These complications are referred to as diverticular disease. Surgical treatment may be required as an emergency measure in the event of serious signs, or at a later stage if disabling symptoms persist. The aim of this study was to assess the 90-day post-operative morbidity and mortality of complicated sigmoidal diverticulitis managed in emergency.

Methods

We retrospectively included all patients (n = 62) with complicated sigmoidal diverticulitis who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2019. 90-day mortality was assessed for each patient. Overall morbidity was assessed using the Dindo-Clavien classification, with major morbidity corresponding to stages ≥III. Factors predictive of overall and major morbidity were analyzed.

Results

Postoperative mortality at 90 days was nil. Overall morbidity at 90 days according to the Dindo-Clavien classification was 80,7 %, with major morbidity at 27,4 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis retained male gender (OR=6.77[1,40; 32.74], p = 0.02), BMI over 25 (OR=58.82[3.95; 876.95], p = 0.01) and smoking (OR=8.77[0.84; 91.13], p = 0.07) as independent predictors of the occurrence of overall morbidity at 90 days. Likewise, only an ASA score ≥ III was highlighted as an independent predictive factor (OR=5.00[1.51; 16.51], p = 0.01) of major morbidity at 90 days (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III).

Conclusion

In our study, mortality was nil, the overall morbidity rate was 80.7 % and 27.4 % for major morbidity. Nevertheless, the choice of surgical technique remains open to debate, given the absence of any difference in morbidity and mortality from anastomotic resection during emergency surgery, and the less morbid and easier restoration of digestive continuity afterwards in selected patients.