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Introduction Management of the immunosuppressed patient with diverticular disease remains controversial. We report the largest series of colon cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and hospitalized for acute diverticulitis, to determine whether recent treatment with systemic chemotherapy is associated with increased risk for/increased severity of recurrent diverticulitis. Methods Retrospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized for an initial episode of acute colonic diverticulitis at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1988–2004. Outcomes in patients receiving systemic chemotherapy within one month of admission for diverticulitis (“Chemo”) were compared to outcomes of patients not receiving chemotherapy within the past month (“No-chemo”). Results A total 131 patients met inclusion criteria. Chemo patients did not differ significantly from No-chemo group in terms of severity of acute diverticulitis at index admission (13.2% vs. 4.4%, respectively, p=0.12), resumption of chemotherapy (median 2 months), failure of non-operative management (13.2% vs 4.4%, respectively, p=0.12), frequency of recurrence (20.5% vs 18.55), hospital length of stay (p=0.08), and likelihood of interval resection (24.0% vs. 16.2%, respectively, p=0.39). Chemo patients recurred with more severe disease, were more likely to undergo emergent surgery (75.0% vs. 23.5%, respectively, p=0.03), and were more likely to be diverted (100.0% vs. 25.0%, respectively, p=0.03). Chemo patients were significantly more likely to incur a postoperative complication (100% vs 9.1% p <0.01) following interval resection. Overall mortality was significantly higher in the Chemo vs. No-chemo group. Median survival in Chemo patients was 3.4 years; in No-chemo patients, median survival was not reached at 10 years Conclusion Our data do not support routine elective surgery for acute diverticulitis in patients receiving chemotherapy. Nonoperative management in the acute or interval setting appears preferable whenever possible.

IntroductionGallbladder perforation is common and occurs in 6 to 40% of laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures. In up to a third of these cases, stones are not retrieved and complications can arise many years post-operatively. Diagnosis can be difficult and patients may present to many specialties within medicine and surgery. We seek to present our case and review the literature on prevention and management of "lost" stones.Case presentationOur patient is a 77-year-old woman who presented to the urology clinic with a loin abscess that developed five years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Radiological studies showed retained abdominal gallstones and an associated abscess formation. These were drained under ultrasound guidance on several occasions and the patient now suffers from chronic sinusitis. Due to her age and comorbidities, she has declined definitive surgical intervention to remove the stones.ConclusionGallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a reasonably common problem and may result in spilled and lost gallstones. Though uncommon, these stones may lead to early or late complications, which can be a diagnostic challenge and cause significant morbidity to the patient. Clear documentation and patient awareness of lost gallstones is of utmost importance, as this may enable prompt recognition and treatment of any complications.

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Generally, laparotomy is performed for diagnosis and management in acute bowel obstruction, but with increasing expertise, laparoscopy can be equally effective with all the other advantages of minimal access approach.