Primary resection with intraoperative colonic lavage compares favorably with Hartmann's procedure for diffuse purulent peritonitis in complicated diverticulitis. It should be an alternative to Hartmann's procedure in stercoral peritonitis.

Colorectal (rather than colosigmoid) anastomosis was the single predictor of lower recurrence rates after elective sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis.

Compared with open Hartmann's reversal, 6 month complication and reoperation rates were lower in laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal patients. Most of the six-month complications and reoperations in open Hartmann's reversal were abdominal wall-related. Readmission rates were similar, but reasons for readmission were surgical in open Hartmann's reversal and medical in laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal.

Inadequate sigmoid resection should prompt diligence to take down the splenic flexure placing the distal anastomotic margin on the rectum to ensure adequate surgery.