Transverse taeniamyotomy. A new surgical approach for diverticular disease.

The rationale of transverse taeniamyotomy in the treatment of diverticular disease of the colon, with or without inflammatory or other complications, is discussed. The technique of the operation is described, multiple transverse incisions being made at 2-cm intervals through the two thickened antimesenteric taeniae coli throughout the affected length of bowel. The indications and results in 18 patients are tabulated and discussed. Transverse taeniamyotomy is a simple procedure, rapidly performed, with minimal morbidity, and is well tolerated even by elderly, poor-risk patients. The results so far have been promising.