Elective surgery for diverticular disease in U.S. veterans: A VASQIP study of national trends and outcomes from 2004 to 2018.

BACKGROUND

Treatment for diverticular disease has evolved over time. In the United States, there has been a trend towards minimally invasive surgical approaches and fewer postoperative complications, but no study has investigated this subject in the Veterans Health Administration.

METHODS

This retrospective review identified patients undergoing elective surgery for diverticular disease from 2004 to 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, operative approach, rates of ostomy creation, and 30-day outcomes were compared. The 15-year time period was divided into 3-year increments to assess changes over time.

RESULTS

4198 patients were identified. Complication rate decreased significantly over time (28.1%-15.7%, p < 0.001), as did infectious complications (21.5-6.3%, p < 0.001). Median hospital length-of-stay decreased from 7 to 5 days (p < 0.001). Rates of laparoscopic surgery increased over time (17.7%-48.1%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased utilization of laparoscopy in veterans undergoing elective surgery for diverticular disease coincided with fewer complications and a shorter length-of-stay. These trends mirror outcomes reported in non-veterans.