LASER Trial. LAparoscopic Elective Sigmoid Resection Following divERticulitis - a Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

LASER Trial. LAparoscopic Elective Sigmoid Resection Following divERticulitis - a Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to find out whether elective sigmoid resection will improve quality of life compared to conservative treatment with lifestyle guidance and fiber supplement in patients with a recurrent or complicated diverticulitis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Recurrent left colon diverticulitis (minimum 3 within 2 years, at least 1 confirmed with CT)

OR

• Earlier complicated left colon diverticulitis

OR

• Prolonged (over 3 months) pain or disturbance in bowel habits after a CT-confirmed left colon diverticulitis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multimorbidity that prevents elective surgery
• Contraindication to laparoscopy
• Colonic stricture
• Fistula (e.g. colocutaneous, colovaginal, colovesical)
• Active malignancy
• Earlier resection of sigmoid colon or rectum
• Acute diverticulitis that has not settled
• Colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy/virtual colonoscopy not performed within 2 years
• Age < 18 or > 75 years
• Pregnancy
• Inability to answer health surveys (e.g. dementia, psychiatric condition)