高龄晚期结直肠肿瘤患者行腹腔镜结肠造瘘术的体会

目的:探讨腹腔镜结肠造瘘术治疗高龄晚期结直肠癌患者的应用价值.方法:回顾分析2007年10月至2011年2月为16例高龄结直肠癌患者行腹腔镜结肠造瘘术的临床资料.结果:16例患者均顺利完成腹腔镜姑息结肠造瘘术,无中转开腹.6例行腹腔镜横结肠双腔造瘘术,10例行腹腔镜乙状结肠双腔造瘘术.手术时间平均45 min,术中出血...     

Laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure

BACKGROUND: Colostomy closure after a Hartmann's procedure typically requires a laparotomy. It also carries the risk of significant morbidity including anastomotic leak, wound infection, and incisional hernia. The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing laparoscopic colostomy reversal between July 1997 and July 2004. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were identified; all patients had left colon colostomies. A laparoscopic technique was used in 21 patients, and 1 patient underwent hand-assisted colostomy reversal concurrently with right radical nephrectomy. The laparoscopic approach was successful in 20 cases, and there were 2 conversions to open (9%) secondary to dense adhesions around the rectal stump. The mean time to closure of the colostomy was 168 days (range 69-385 days). The mean operative time was 158 minutes (range 84-356 minutes). The estimated blood loss averaged 114 mL (range 30-250 mL). The average length of hospitalization was 4.2 days (range 2-6 days). Bowel function returned on an average of 3.5 days (range 2-5 days). Three patients (14%) developed postoperative wound infections. There were no anastomotic leaks and no mortality. At a mean follow-up of 14.7 months, the only long-term complication has been a small hernia at a colostomy site. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colostomy reversal after Hartmann's procedure can be performed with low morbidity and a short hospital stay. The need for conversion to open surgery is uncommon despite patients' previous surgeries. A laparoscopic approach to colostomy takedown is safe and feasible and may result in a reduction in complications and length of stay as has been seen with other minimally invasive procedures.     

腹腔镜直肠癌根治预防性肠造口的临床特点与护理对策

目的：探讨腹腔镜直肠癌根治行预防性肠造口术的临床特点及其并发症的护理对策。方法将151例腹腔镜直肠癌根治术患者分为 A 组和 B 组进行对比研究,A 组75例行预防性横结肠造口,B 组76例行预防性末端回肠造口,观察两组的临床特点及其并发症,并采取相应的护理对策。结果两组在并发症的发生率比较差异上有统计学意义,A 组的造口脱垂、造口周围感染发生率高于B 组,而造口狭窄、造口粪水性皮炎、造口回缩的发生率低于 B 组。经过积极治疗和护理后,两组患者均痊愈出院。结论根据横结肠造口和末端回肠造口的特点,分别采取针对性护理措施,可以帮助患者促进康复、改善预后。     

Laparoscopic colostomy: experience in patients with ovarian or ano-rectal cancer,non-operable or with rectovaginal fistula

Between August 1995 and May 2001 laparoscopic colostomy was successfully carried out in 23 patients with advanced ovarian cancer, inoperable carcinoma of the anorectum or rectovaginal fistulas. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and postoperative recovery was rapid with all patients having function of the colostomy within 24 hrs and regaining their preoperative state of mobility on the second postoperative day. The laparoscopic approach allows the careful selection of the colostomy site, easy mobilisation of the colon, causing only little disruption to the intestinal function hence improving postoperative recovery. From Authors' experience, laparoscopic colostomy is a simple and safe operation in most cases and can be used as the preferred technique of intestinal diversion.     

Laparoscopic Hartmann’s procedure: a viable option for treatment of acutely perforated diverticultis

Background  A laparoscopic technique for acutely perforated diverticulitis (i.e., laparoscopic Hartmann’s procedure) has not been described. The authors present their technique for laparoscopic sigmoid resection, end colostomy, and subsequent laparoscopic takedown of colostomy. Methods  A retrospective review of patients with Hinchey III/IV diverticulitis who underwent a laparoscopic Hartmann’s procedure was performed in this study. Laparoscopic takedown of sigmoid colostomy was performed 2 to 3 months later. Data from these procedures including estimated blood loss (EBL), length of the operative procedure, patient outcomes, and demographics were evaluated. Results  Seven patients with a mean age of 49.7 years underwent laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy with end colostomy. None of these patients had a history of diverticulitis. Their mean EBL was 138 ml, and their mean operative time was 154 min. None of the procedures required conversion to use of a hand port or conversion to open procedure. The average time to return of bowel function was 3.7 days, with one patient experiencing a postoperative ileus. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.6 days. There were no complications. Laparoscopic Hartmann’s takedown was performed for all the patients approximately 2 to 3 months later. The mean EBL was 107 ml, and the average operative time was 189 min. One patient had intraoperative anastomotic leak, which was successfully repaired and retested. Again, none of the procedures required the use of a hand port or a laparotomy. The average time to return of bowel function was 3.4 days. The average length of hospital stay was 5.3 days, with one patient experiencing a fat necrosis. Conclusions  Laparoscopic Hartmann’s procedure and laparoscopic takedown are technically feasible procedures with reasonable outcomes.     

腹腔镜直肠癌根治术后乙状结肠造口坏死两例诊治分析

目的探讨腹腔镜直肠癌根治术后乙状结肠造口坏死的原因及处理策略。 方法回顾性分析2020年5～6月在西安交通大学第一附属医院进行腹腔镜经腹会阴联合直肠癌根治术后乙状结肠造口坏死的2例病例资料。病例1患者于造口坏死早期在局部麻醉下拆除造口周围缝线后外提肠管重新造口，病例2患者间断拆除皮下缝线后进行热敷、换药、引流及剪除坏死肠壁等保守治疗措施。 结果局部麻醉下重新造口患者的造口愈合良好，黏膜红润，排便通畅，术后1周出院。保守治疗患者的造口愈合后上缘轻度内陷及狭窄，术后28 d出院。 结论乙状结肠造口坏死至腹壁内时早期在局部麻醉下拆除缝线后适度外提肠管重新造口是一种积极、可行的治疗措施。     

Novel technique of abdominal wall nerve block for laparoscopic colostomy: Rectus sheath block with transperitoneal approach

A 62-year-old man who had acute rectal obstruction due to a large rectal cancer is presented. He underwent emergency laparoscopic colostomy. We used the laparoscopic puncture needle to inject analgesia with the novel transperitoneal approach. In this procedure, both ultrasound and laparoscopic images assisted with the accurate injection of analgesic to the correct layer. The combination of laparoscopic visualization and ultrasound imaging ensured infiltration of analgesic into the correct layer without causing damage to the bowel. Twentyfour hours postoperatively, the patient's pain intensity as assessed by the numeric rating scale was 0-1 during coughing, and a continuous intravenous analgesic was not needed. Colostomy is often necessary in colon obstruction. Epidural anesthesia for postoperative pain cannot be used in patients with a coagulation disorder. We report the use of a novel laparoscopic rectus sheath block for colostomy. There has been no literature described about the nerve block with transperitoneal approach. The laparoscopic rectus sheath block was performed safely and had enough analgesic efficacy for postoperative pain. This technique could be considered as an optional anesthetic regimen in acute situations.     

Laparoscopic colostomy for acute left colon obstruction caused by diverticular disease in high risk patient: A case report

IntroductionThe colostomy is often necessary in complicated divertcular disease. The laparoscopic colostomy is not widely used for the treatment of complicated diverticular disease. Its use in patients with high operative risk is still on debate. The aim of this case report was to present the benefits of laparoscopic colostomy in patients with high peri-and postoperative risk factors.Presentation of caseWe present a case of 76-year-old female admitted to emergency unit for left colonic obstruction. The patient had a past history of liver cirrhosis HCV-related with a severe malnutrition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diverticular disease, hiatal ernia, previous appendectomy. Patient was classified according to their preoperative risk ASA 3 (classification of the American society of Anestesia-ASA score).Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed a marked thickening in the sigmoid colon and a marked circumferential stenosis in the sigmoid colon in absence of neoplasm, and/or abscess. The laparoscopic procedure is proposed as first intention.DiscussionThe operation time was 50 min, and the hospital stay was 4 days. Post operative complications grade I according to the Clavien Dindo Classification.ConclusionsLaparoscopic colostomy is safe and feasible procedure in experienced hands. It is associated with low morbidity and short stay in hospital and should be considered a good alternative to a laparotomy.     

A new approach to extraperitoneal rectal injuries: laparoscopy and diverting loop sigmoid colostomy

BACKGROUND: Current management of extraperitoneal rectal injuries involves a laparotomy and diversion of the fecal stream. In this study, we review our experience with laparoscopy and diverting loop sigmoid colostomy without laparotomy in the management of these injuries. METHODS: All patients admitted to the trauma unit at Groote Schuur Hospital between January 1995 and May 2000 with a rectal injury were evaluated. The presence of a rectal injury was confirmed by rectal examination and proctosigmoidoscopy. Intraperitoneal injuries were excluded by laparoscopy. Only patients who did not have intraperitoneal injuries were included in the study. The patients were then managed with a diverting loop sigmoid colostomy created through an abdominal wall trephine without laparotomy. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the study. In eight patients, laparoscopy excluded intraperitoneal injuries. All 10 patients had a diverting loop sigmoid colostomy fashioned. There were no complications related to either the rectal injury or colostomy. Nine stomas have since been closed. CONCLUSION: In patients with isolated extraperitoneal rectal injuries, laparoscopic exclusion of intraperitoneal injuries, followed by a diverting loop sigmoid colostomy, is a feasible option.     

Laparoscopic versus open colostomy reversal: A comparative analysis

Open colostomy reversal carries significant rates of wound infection, anastomotic leak, and incisional hernia which often limit its acceptance. We hypothesized that the laparoscopic approach to the restoration of intestinal continuity may result in lower perioperative morbidity and faster postoperative recovery. Twenty-two cases of laparoscopic colostomy reversals performed at a single institution were identified and compared to 22 randomly selected open colostomy closures performed during the same time period. Patients were compared based on demographics, previous indications for colostomy procedures, and perioperative outcomes. A total of 152 patients underwent reversal of left-sided colostomies during the study period. The laparoscopic approach was successful in 20 of 22 cases; there were 2 conversions to open (9%) secondary to inability to adequately mobilize the rectal stump. The laparoscopic and open groups were comparable based on mean age (54 years versus 49 years; P=0.23), BMI (26 kg/m² versus 27 kg/m²; P=0.66), gender (9% males versus 13% males; P=0.23), ASA Class (2.6 versus 2.3; P=0.07), and history of previous intra-abdominal sepsis (17 versus 16 cases). Operative times were similar (158 versus 189 minutes; P=0.16), and estimated blood loss was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (113 versus 270 ml; P=0.01). No intraoperative complications occurred in the laparoscopic group and two enterotomies occurred in the open group. The laparoscopic group had earlier passage of flatus (3.5 versus 5.0 days; P=0.001) and shorter hospitalization (4.2 versus 7.3 days; P=0.001). Perioperative complications occurred in 3 (14%) laparoscopic and 13 (59%) open cases (P=0.01). There was no mortality in this series. The laparoscopic approach can be safely used in the restoration of intestinal continuity. It results in a decreased perioperative morbidity and faster recovery, and it offers distinct advantages over the open approach to colostomy reversal.     

Techniques for determining the ideal stoma site in laparoscopic colostomy.

The best placement of the stoma is one of the important issues in colostomy. We developed a new laparoscopic technique for colostomy. In the technique, because the port for the laparoscope was placed in the right side of the abdomen, it was easy to separate the descending colon from lateral peritoneum and to lift up the colon loop to the stoma site. In our experiences using this technique, patients had no serious complications. This technique enables the performance of safe, secure, and effective temporary colostomies.     

Two-stage laparoscopic approaches for high anorectal malformation: Transumbilical colostomy and anorectoplasty

BackgroundTrans-umbilical colostomy (TUC) has been previously created in patients with Hirschsprung's disease and intermediate anorectal malformation (ARM), but not in patients with high-ARM. The purposes of this study were to assess the feasibility, safety, complications and cosmetic results of TUC in a divided fashion, and subsequently stoma closure and laparoscopic assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) were simultaneously completed by using the colostomy site for a laparoscopic port in high-ARM patients.MethodsTwenty male patients with high-ARMs were chosen for this two-stage procedure. The first-stage consisted of creating the TUC in double-barreled fashion colostomy with a high chimney at the umbilicus, and the loop was divided at the same time, in such a way that the two diverting ends were located at the umbilical incision with the distal end half closed and slightly higher than proximal end. In the second-stage, 3 to 7 months later, the stoma was closed through a peristomal skin incision followed by end-to-end anastomosis and simultaneously LAARP was performed by placing a laparoscopic port at the umbilicus, which was previously the colonostomy site. Umbilical wound closure was performed in a semi-opened fashion to create a deep umbilicus.ResultsTUC and LAARP were successfully performed in 20 patients. Four cases with bladder neck fistulas and 16 cases with prostatic urethra fistulas were found. Postoperative complications were rectal mucosal prolapsed in three cases, anal stricture in two cases and wound dehiscence in one case. Neither umbilical ring narrowing, parastomal hernia nor obstructive symptoms was observed. Neither umbilical nor perineal wound infection was observed. Stoma care was easily carried-out by attaching stoma bag. Healing of umbilical wounds after the second-stage was excellent. Early functional stooling outcome were satisfactory.ConclusionsThe umbilicus may be an alternative stoma site for double-barreled colostomy in high-ARM patients. The two-stage laparoscopic approaches for high-ARM, TUC and stoma closure with simultaneously LAARP are both technically feasible and safe with excellent cosmetic result.     

保护性横结肠襻式造口对腹腔镜直肠癌前切除术后吻合口漏及狭窄的影响

目的 探讨保护性横结肠襻式造口术对减少腹腔镜直肠癌前切除术后吻合口漏及狭窄的价值.方法 回顾性分析2008年3月至2012年2月浙江大学金华医院收治的128例中低位直肠癌患者的临床资料.所有患者接受新辅助治疗后行腹腔镜直肠癌前切除术,其中61例采用保护性横结肠襻式造口（造口组）,67例未采用保护性横结肠襻式造口（未造口组）.比较两组患者吻合口漏及吻合口狭窄的发生率、病情程度和治疗转归.患者术后采用门诊复诊、入院化疗就诊及电话等方式随访.随访时间截至2013年5月.计量资料采用-x±s表示,组间比较采用t检验;计数资料采用率或构成比表示,组间比较采用x2检验或Fisher确切概率法.结果 128例直肠癌患者术后总体吻合口漏发生率为7.03％（9/128）,其中造口组发生为率6.56％ （4/61）,未造口组发生率为7.46％ （5/67）,两组比较差异无统计学意义（x2=0.000,P＞0.05）.造口组患者中4例发生吻合口漏患者全身反应轻,均经保守治疗后痊愈,未行再次手术治疗;未造口组患者中5例发生吻合口漏患者全身症状重,其中4例行再次手术治疗,再次手术率为4/5,1例经保守治愈,两组再次手术率比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.128例直肠癌患者术后总体吻合口狭窄发生率为13.28％ （17/128）.造口组患者吻合口狭窄发生率为19.67％（12/61）,其中重度吻合口狭窄发生率为8.20（5/61）;未造口组患者吻合口狭窄发生率为7.46％ （5/67）,其中重度吻合口狭窄发生率为0,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（x2=4.133,P＜0.05）.结论 保护性横结肠襻式造口术不能降低腹腔镜直肠癌前切除术后吻合口漏的发生率,可减轻吻合口漏的相关症状,能降低再次手术率.但保护性横结肠襻式造口术可增加术后吻合口狭窄发生率,因此应慎重选用该术式.     

Laparoscopic ileostomy and colostomy.

OBJECTIVE: The technical features of laparoscopic ileostomy and colostomy are described. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A diverting ileostomy or colostomy can be performed with minimal trauma by laparoscopic techniques. This is distinct from the complex laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted resections of small and large bowel. To date the technical features of creating a diverting ileostomy or colostomy have not been emphasized sufficiently. METHODS: Standard laparoscopic techniques are used to create a pneumoperitoneum. After mobilization of the ileum or colon, a stoma is made on the abdominal wall. A trocar is introduced at the site where the stoma is located, thus reducing the technical problems associated with creating and maturing a stoma while the abdomen is insufflated. RESULTS: This approach obviates the need for a laparotomy while creating an ileostomy or colostomy. The technical features of creating a double-barrel ostomy, an end-ostomy with a stapled distal limb, and a loop ostomy are described. The postoperative recovery is prompt with a rapid return of intestinal function and early discharge from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ileostomy and colostomy are straightforward procedures that reduce postoperative discomfort and ileus, and reduce the length of hospital stay.     

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated colonic diverticulitis: a systematic review

Aim This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy, morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for patients with perforated diverticulitis. Method We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases, Google Scholar and five major publisher websites without language restriction. All articles which reported the use of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for patients with perforated diverticulitis were included. Results Two prospective cohort studies, nine retrospective case series and two case reports reporting 231 patients were selected for data extraction. Most (77%) patients had purulent peritonitis (Hinchey III). Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage successfully controlled abdominal and systemic sepsis in 95.7% of patients. Mortality was 1.7%, morbidity 10.4% and only four (1.7%) of the 231 patients received a colostomy. Conclusion There have been no publications of high methodological quality on laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for patients with perforated colonic diverticulitis. The published papers do, however, show promising results, with high efficacy, low mortality, low morbidity and a minimal need for a colostomy.     

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy in elective abdominoperineal resection for cancer: a single surgeon experience

Aim Parastomal herniation of end colostomies can be chronically debilitating for patients and a difficult problem to treat. To prevent parastomal hernia (PSH) formation an extraperitoneal colostomy (EPC) approach has been developed in open colorectal surgery and some studies have suggested a potential advantage to this approach. Here we describe our technique of laparoscopic extraperitoneal stoma formation and present our experience to date. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection between March 1999 and March 2011. We performed the EPC technique as follows: under laparoscopic guidance, a smooth tip instrument was used to gently separate the peritoneum from the posterior aponeurotic plane to create an extraperitoneal tunnel running from the skin incision to the left flank of the abdominal cavity to join the previously dissected paracolic gutter. The colon was exteriorized and the position was checked to ensure the absence of torsion or kinking. Results Twenty‐two patients underwent a standard laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with total mesorectal excision. Colostomy was constructed extraperitoneally (EPC) or transperitoneally (TPC) in 12 and 10 patients respectively. There were five complications requiring operative intervention: two stomal necrosis and one surgical site infection in the TPC group and two small bowel occlusions in the EPC group. Four patients from the TPC group developed PSH at 24, 36, 48 and 72 months respectively while there were no cases of PSH in the EPC group. Conclusion Extraperitoneal laparoscopic colostomy showed a potential reduction of PSH in our series of patients.     

Rectal amputation by pure perineal approach with laparoscopic colostomy: a palliative therapeutic option for low rectal or anal cancers for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities

Rectal syndrome caused by locoregional evolution of low rectal cancers and anal cancers is prevented and treated by surgical resection. But, for old patients with multiple tares, carcinologic surgical resection as abdominoperineal amputation can not be considered. Management of rectal syndrome becomes a therapeutic challenge. We reported a prospective serie of 5 patients more than 80 years old with multiple tares, treated by rectal amputation by pure perineal approach with laparoscopic colostomy. This surgery avoided for all patients trying rectal symptoms and maintained acceptable quality of life with fast coming back at home. The palliative treatment of low rectal cancers or anal cancers combining rectal amputation by pure perineal approach with laparoscopic colostomy may be an interesting therapeutic option for patients who cannot undergoing aggressive carcinologic surgical treatment.     

Two-stage laparoscopic management of generalized peritonitis due to perforated sigmoid diverticula: eighteen cases

The classic treatment of generalized peritonitis due to perforation of sigmoid diverticula is based on the principle of a two-stage surgery with a temporary derivation of the colonic transit. This procedure is associated with a prohibitively high immediate and delayed morbidity, especially associated with the abdominal wound. The laparoscopic approach to this complication is less aggressive and allows a second-stage elective laparoscopic resection. Eighteen consecutive patients (ten women and eight men; average age, 53.7 years) underwent emergency laparoscopic treatment for generalized peritonitis due to perforated diverticula. Eight of these patients had previously had diverticulitis attacks. By peritoneal cavity exploration and full peritoneal lavage (average, 15 L), the infected sigmoid lesion was stuck with biologic glue. A drain was inserted at the site of the lesion and in some cases also in other abdominal zones. No colostomy was necessary. Antibiotic treatment was started at diagnosis and continued for a minimum of 7 days. There was no mortality. Morbidity was limited to three patients (two cases of lymphangitis and one of pulmonary disease). No patient had a wound abscess or residual deep collections. The mean hospitalization was 8 days. Fourteen patients underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection with a delay of 3.5 months. One conversion to laparotomy was necessary. The laparoscopic treatment of generalized peritonitis due to perforated sigmoid diverticula is an interesting alternative to the traditional treatment. It is associated with a lower morbidity, a shorter postoperative hospital stay, and an improvement in the patient's quality of life, because colostomy is avoided. It is also associated with economic savings.     

Circular Stapler-Assisted Extraperitoneal Colostomy in Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection: a Single Surgeon Experience

Background

Nowadays, laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (LAPR) not only has the same oncologic safety of open surgery and but also has the common advantages of laparoscopic surgery. However, given the difficulty in operation and long operative time, laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy construction is rarely practiced and reported. In this study, we describe technique of extraperitoneal colostomy using circular stapler following LAPR and demonstrate its efficacy and safety.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data of 42 patients who underwent LAPR with circular stapler-assisted extraperitoneal colostomy in our department between July 2011 and June 2014.

Results

The mean time for extraperitoneal colostomy construction was 25 min (18–33 min). The mean operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery time, and duration of postoperative hospital stay were 160 min (115–225 min), 45 ml (10–250 ml), 33 h (26–45 h), and 8.6 days (6–13 days), respectively; 4.8 % of the patients had postoperative short-term complications. There were no stenosis, prolapse, and parastomal hernia observed in follow-up period. At 6 months after operation, 26 patients (62 %) claimed to be satisfied with their postoperative stool habits, 29 patients (69 %) had sensation to defecate per stoma, and 11 (26.2 %) patients had the ability to defer defecation for solid or liquid stool per stoma.

Conclusion

Circular stapler-assisted extraperitoneal colostomy is an easy, effective, and safe technique following LAPR and appears to minimize the occurrence of stomal complications and improve the quality of life for patients.

     

Long-term Experience with the Laparoscopic Approach to Perforated Diverticulitis plus Generalized Peritonitis

Background  The treatment of perforated diverticulitis is changing form the current standard of laparotomy with resection, Hartmann procedure, and colostomy to a minimally invasive technique. In patients with complicated acute diverticulitis and peritonitis without gross fecal contamination, laparoscopic peritoneal lavage, inspection of the colon, and intraoperative drain placement of the peritoneal cavity appears to alleviate morbidity and improve the outcome. In this article, we report our experience of a laparoscopic peritoneal lavage technique with delayed definitive resection when necessary. Method and materials  Records of patients who underwent intraoperative peritoneal lavage for purulent diverticulitis at the Texas Endosurgery Institute from April 1991 to September 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Results  Forty patients were included in the study, with a male/female ratio of 26:14. The average age was 60 years. Many had associated co-morbidities. The average operating time was 62 minutes. There were no conversions to an open procedure. Apart from mild postoperative paralytic ileus in six patients and chest infections in two, there were no significant peroperative or postoperative complications. Just over 50% underwent elective interval laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. During the mean follow-up of 96 months, none of the other patients required further surgical intervention. Conclusion  Laparoscopic lavage of the peritoneal cavity and drainage is a safe alternative to the current standard of treatment for the management of perforated diverticulitis with or without gross fecal contamination. It is associated with a decrease in the overall cost of treatment; the use of a colostomy is avoided; patient improvement is immediate; and there is a reduction in mortality and morbidity as definitive laparoscopic resection can be performed in a nonemergent fashion. Perhaps the most important benefit, other than avoiding a colostomy, is the association of fewer wound complications such as dehiscence, wound infection, and the high risk of hernia formation. Laparoscopic lavage and drainage should be considered in all patients in whom medical and/or percutaneous treatment is not feasible. It carries minimal morbidity and should be considered the standard of care.