Diverticulum of the vermiform appendix. A review of 28 cases.

Twenty-eight previously unreported cases of appendiceal diverticula were found in a 15-year retrospective review of records at five hospitals. The incidence is probably higher than is realized. Data drawn from the review indicated that the age of the patient and a history of previous attacks might be slight clues to distinguishing between diverticulum and acute appendicitis. Inflamed or not, rarely are these diverticula recognizable at the time of operation, but if the appendix is bulbous or club-shaped or there is increased thickening of the mesentery, the surgeon's suspicion should be aroused. In four of fourteen acute cases in the series, perforation had occurred-within 15 hours of the onset of symptoms in two cases. In four others there was abscess formation within the mesentery of the appendix.