Giant diverticula of the colon: a clinical assessment.

Giant colonic diverticulum is a rare complication of diverticular disease. In the English literature, only 81 cases have been described. Twelve patients had complications caused by the giant diverticulum. Seventy patients were treated operatively, and three died. Elective resection of the diverticulum and the adjacent colon with primary anastomosis is the ideal treatment. The significant number of complications caused by the giant diverticulum and the low morbidity and mortality rate associated with surgical treatment reinforce the importance of accurate diagnosis and elective treatment of this disorder.