Diverticulitis of the cecum and ascending colon.

Twelve cases of acute solitary diverticulitis of the cecum or ascending colon are reviewed. This is frequently indistinguishable from acute appendicitis preoperatively and is often mistaken for carcinoma at laparotomy. There are subtle clinical features that may help to suggest the diagnosis both before and during surgery. If diagnosed preoperatively, it can be treated effectively with broad spectrum antibiotics without surgical intervention. When diagnosed intraoperatively, hemicolectomy can often be avoided. Appendectomy should be done if resection is not performed.