This study evaluated outcome in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. A total of 29 consecutive patients were treated surgically for colonic diverticulitis; in 27 of these laparoscopy was performed. The review of medical records from a control group of 34 patients undergoing open resection were used for comparison. The conversion rate was 7.5%. Using the laparoscopic technique the duration of surgery was longer (165 vs. 121 min, P < 0.05), blood loss less (182 vs. 352 ml, P < 0.05), and subsequent blood transfusion less (0 vs. 61%). The incidence of complications following laparoscopic resection was lower (two anastomotic leakages, two wound infections) than in the conventional group. Convalescence in the laparoscopic group was more rapid and hospital stay shorter (7.9 vs. 14.3 days, P < 0.05). In the laparoscopic group patients expressed less pain at rest and in motion. The cost of the laparoscopically assisted procedure was less than that of conventional resection (7185 vs. 8975 DM). In this series laparoscopically assisted sigmoid resection for diverticulitis proved safe. Recovery was faster, hospital stay was shorter, and patients expressed less pain than in conventional open surgery.