BACKGROUND: Diverticula are localized in the right colon with a rate of 6.7-14% in Western countries. Two types of diverticula have been described in the right colon, on the basis of etiologic and pathological features: multiple diverticula and solitary diverticulum of the caecum. The most common clinical presentation of the right-sided colonic diverticula is an acute inflammatory complication, which is difficult to distinguish from other causes of right iliac fossa pain. METHODS: A survey of the literature is presented and personal experience relative to 4 cases of acute diverticulitis of the right colon observed over a 10-year period is described. RESULTS: In all the patients the preoperative diagnosis was acute appendicitis. In two cases the poor clinical conditions of the patients were associated with the free perforation of a solitary caecal diverticulum and diffuse faecal peritonitis. A temporary caecostomy was therefore required. In two cases a localized inflammatory mass was found around a perforated solitary diverticulum of the caecum. An ileocaecal resection was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of this study is to emphasize the epidemiological, etiologic and clinical features of right-sided colonic diverticula, and the diagnostic and therapeutic management of their complications.
BACKGROUND: Diverticula are localized in the right colon with a rate of 6.7-14% in Western countries. Two types of diverticula have been described in the right colon, on the basis of etiologic and pathological features: multiple diverticula and solitary diverticulum of the caecum. The most common clinical presentation of the right-sided colonic diverticula is an acute inflammatory complication, which is difficult to distinguish from other causes of right iliac fossa pain. METHODS: A survey of the literature is presented and personal experience relative to 4 cases of acute diverticulitis of the right colon observed over a 10-year period is described. RESULTS: In all the patients the preoperative diagnosis was acute appendicitis. In two cases the poor clinical conditions of the patients were associated with the free perforation of a solitary caecal diverticulum and diffuse faecal peritonitis. A temporary caecostomy was therefore required. In two cases a localized inflammatory mass was found around a perforated solitary diverticulum of the caecum. An ileocaecal resection was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of this study is to emphasize the epidemiological, etiologic and clinical features of right-sided colonic diverticula, and the diagnostic and therapeutic management of their complications.
Authors: Wing-Wa Leung; Janet F Y Lee; Shirley Y W Liu; Jennifer W C Mou; Simon S M Ng; Raymond Y C Yiu; Jimmy C M Li Journal: World J Surg Date: 2007-02 Impact factor: 3.352
Authors: Dana A Telem; Kerri E Buch; Scott Q Nguyen; Edward H Chin; Kaare J Weber; Celia M Divino Journal: Gastroenterol Res Pract Date: 2009-03-24 Impact factor: 2.260