Cecal diverticulitis mimicking acute appendicitis: management and short-term results of surgery

Abstract

Aim Cecal diverticulum is an infrequent cause of acute abdomen, and cecal diverticulitis usually presents in a behavior similar to acute appendicitis. This study aims to review our experience with surgical or nonsurgical management of cecal diverticulitis mimicking acute appendicitis in our department.Methods From January 2012 to April 2017, fourteen patients were treated for cecal diverticulitis at our clinic. We retrospectively reviewed the patients’ records, imaging modalities, and operative findings.Results Nine men and five women with a mean age 43.93 ± 8.95 (range 32 to 65) years were evaluated. Total of nine (64.2%) patients were managed operatively. All patients were urgently operated. The mean hospital stay was 6.11 ± 1.61 days. In the postoperative period, two patients had wound infection, and postoperative mortality was not observed. Nonoperative management was used for the treatment in five (35.7%) patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with cecal diverticulitis, Hinchey stage I or II.Conclusion Inflammation of the diverticulum of the cecum is an uncommon disease, but should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of pain in the right lower quadrant. Diagnostic laparoscopy can be used inpatients and especially in women with atypical presentations of acute appendicitis. Preoperative diagnosis of cecal diverticulitis is very important in order to
decide how to manage this condition.

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