The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopic surgery in diverticular disease of the colon, in the experience of a specialized centre. Sixty-seven patients were observed from November 2004 to March 2006 at the Robert Koch Krankenhaus of Gehrden (Hannover) with a diagnosis of acute diverticulitis, chronic diverticulitis and/or complications and submitted to elective or emergency surgery. The mean operating time was 171.5 minutes for the laparoscopic approach, and 142.7 minutes for open surgery. Return to normal bowel function occurred after 3.7 days for laparoscopy, as against 4.4 days for open surgery. Mean hospital stay was 9.8 days for the laparoscopic approach and 16.3 days for open surgery. Morbidity was 18.6% (8 cases) in the laparoscopic group and 25% (6 cases) in the open group. Mortality was 0%. Re-operation was necessary in 5 cases in the laparoscopic group (11.6%) and in 4 cases (16.6%) in the open group. Laparoscopy is an important innovation in the surgical treatment of diverticular disease. This approach should be assessed in relation to patient characteristics, medical history and clinical presentation. The advantages of laparoscopy are shorter postoperative hospital stay, less postoperative pain, earlier discharge, better cosmetic result, less blood loss and less peritoneal contamination. In the advanced stages of disease open surgery still remains very important.