This variability in diverticulitis disease presentation and management makes it an interesting albeit challenging disease to manage and study. In contrast to patients suffering of cancer, diverticulitis patients are not well captured and followed in major national databases. Research efforts aim at pinning down the characteristics that influence both the severity of the index episode and the likelihood of recurrent attacks with their associated risk. Robust evidence would allow surgeons to better predict the risk for recurrent diverticulitis and provide patients with accurate recommendations in determining the role of surgery compared to nonoperative management in preserving or restoring quality of life.