Emergency management of diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is a common problem, and although most cases will respond to conservative measures, surgeons will frequently need to treat patients requiring emergency surgery. Surgical management has progressed over the past 30 years, with a change in practice from routine drainage and proximal diversion (necessitating two further major procedures) to primary resection and anastomosis in selected cases. In 2004, surgeons must use clinical judgment to determine which approach will optimize outcomes both in terms of morbidity and mortality and in terms of quality of life for their patients.