[Procedure in perforated diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon (author's transl)].

Operation in three stages with primary defunctioning colostomy and drainage of the perforation is the procedure mostly recommended in literature, although the mortality rate ranges from 33 to 75%. Therefore, we prefer the immediate resection of the perforated bowel with primary anastomosis, or if possible, in poor risk cases Hartmann's procedure respectively. Anastomosis should be protected by a defunctioning colostomy in all but exceptional good cases. 2 of our 18 patients died, only 1 of 15 (7%) with primary bowel resection.