BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease is complicated by colovesical and colovaginal fistulas in 4-20% of patients. Laparoscopic surgery is usually reserved for selected cases of uncomplicated disease. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of those patients.
METHODS: Eighteen patients, 15 with colovesical fistulas and three with colovaginal fistulas, were operated on laparoscopically. Prospectively collected data, associated with technical feasibility, short-term outcome and effectiveness, were analysed.
RESULTS: Twelve sigmoidectomies, four extended left colectomies and two segmentectomies were performed. Fistulas were treated with simple dissection or mechanical division, and the bladder wall was repaired in two patients. Mean operating time was 237 min (range 165-330). There was one conversion (5.5%) and no post-operative death. Morbidity was 27.7% and included one major complication. Return of gastrointestinal function occurred 2.9 days post-operatively, and the mean hospital stay was 10 days after surgery. During the 5.1-year follow-up period there was one fistula recurrence (5.5%) and no recurrent diverticulitis.
CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic one-stage surgery was technically feasible and safe, with low morbidity. Effectiveness appears favourable when compared with open surgery, but prospective randomized studies are necessary to support such a conclusion.