In general surgical practice, the Hinchey Classification, widely used to categorize the severity of diverticulitis, is presented below:

Hinchey Classification

Stage 1a: Phlegmonous diverticulitis (pericolic inflammation)
Stage 1b: Diverticulitis complicated by a pericolic or mesenteric abscess
Stage 2: Diverticulitis complicated by a pelvic abscess (confined to the pelvis)
Stage 3: Diverticulitis complicated by purulent peritonitis without bowel lumen perforation
Stage 4: Diverticulitis complicated by fecal peritonitis associated with bowel lumen perforation