Are we really operating on diverticulitis?

The results of elective surgery for diverticulitis in 100 consecutive patients were reviewed. Follow-up was possible in 82 individuals. Seventy-seven (94 percent) were improved. There was no inflammatory change apparent on histologic examination of the resected specimens in 24 percent of patients. These individuals were less likely to have favorable results. There are a number of preoperative factors which may predict the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.