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Review
. 2022 Oct 18;36(1):57-62.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1756511. eCollection 2023 Jan.

Anastomotic Considerations in Diverticulitis

Shannon L McChesney  1 , Alexander T Hawkins  1
Affiliations
Review

Anastomotic Considerations in Diverticulitis

Shannon L McChesney et al. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. .

Abstract

Diverticulitis is a common indication for colorectal surgery, both in the acute and the elective setting. The anastomosis between the colon and rectum is a critical component of colectomy for diverticular disease and should be approached thoughtfully. This article reviews important surgical considerations when creating a colorectal anastomosis in the setting of diverticular disease, whether following the reversal of an end colostomy, during an acute episode of diverticulitis, or electively for chronic or complicated disease. Timing of surgery and preoperative assessment, minimally invasive approaches, and intraoperative maneuvers and considerations are discussed.

Keywords: Hartmann's procedure; anastomosis; colorectal surgery; colostomy reversal; diverticulitis/diverticular disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Intraoperative view of the rectum, demonstrating splaying of the tinea and loss of epiploic appendages. Drawing by Wali Johnson, MD.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Creation of Baker's side-to-end anastomosis., Image provided by Aimal Khan, MD.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Intraoperative identification of bilateral ureters using indocyanine green. Image provided by Aimal Khan, MD.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
CT scan of colovesicle fistula. Image provided by Benjamin Hopkins, MD. CT, computed tomography.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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