Long-term severe complications appeared to be similar with laparoscopic lavage and primary resection in perforated purulent diverticulitis patients, reported researchers in a study published in JAMA Surgery. However, recurrence was more frequent following lavage.

At a median follow-up of just below 5 years, results from the ongoing SCANDIV trial suggested no difference in severe complications (primary outcome) or in mortality, quality of life (QoL), and functional outcomes (secondary outcomes) between the treatment groups. Severe complications were noted in 36% (n=26/73) in the laparoscopic lavage group compared to 35% (n=24/69) in the resection group (P=0.92). Recurrence of diverticulitis was more frequent following lavage, often resulting in sigmoid resection (30% in the lavage group proceeded to sigmoid resection), but with a lower stoma prevalence; stoma prevalence was 8% (n=4) in the lavage group compared to 33% (n=17, P=0.002) in the resection group… (Medpage Today)