Surgery for acute diverticulitis in young patients

Aim: To evaluate differences between patients 45 who underwent surgery for acute diverticulitis (AD). Method: From September 2011 to May 2015 119 patients underwent surgery for AD. 12 patients (Group A, 10.1%). Results: Group A had less patients with comorbidities (16.7% vs 86.9%; P < 0.001), in particular cardiovascular (0% vs 67.3; P < 0.001) with ASA 1–2 in 91.7% of patients (vs 29.0%, P < 0.001). Right colonic disease was found in 41.7% of Group A (vs 10.3%; P = 0.010). Group A patients were at first admission in 91.7% of cases respect to 83.2% (P = 0.688) and laparoscopy was performed in 50% of patients (vs 20.6%; P = 0.033). The majority of Group A patients did not required ostomy respect to Group B (33.3% vs 74.8%; P = 0.006) with no difference for incidence of purulent / faecal peritonitis (33.3% vs 57.9%; P = 0.131). Morbidity and medical complications were lower in Group A (8.3% vs 57.9%; P = 0.001 and 8.3% vs 44.9%; P = 0.015). The groups did not differ for mortality (8.3% vs 17.8% ; P = 0.688). Hospital stay was shorter in Group A (6.3 2.0 vs 15.3 14.6; P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed only higher, not significant, incidence of ostomy group B (HR 4.0; 95% CI 0.85–19.0; P = 0.08). Conclusion: AD in young patients does not seem to be more aggressive. Surgical intervention should be taken into account not considering age.