Combined horizontal and longitudinal colomyotomy for diverticular disease: preliminary report.

The operation of horizontal and longitudinal colomyotomy for diverticular disease is described and satisfactory short-term results in six patients are presented. The indications and reasons for the use of this procedure are discussed. It is suggested that the operation is a satisfactory treatment, without the risks associated with division of all the circular muscle fibers, or with resection and anastomosis. The necessity for long-term high dietary fiber intake is stressed.