Acute diverticulitis of the caecum

Two cases of inflammation of a solitary diverticulum of the caecum are reported. These probably represent the first cases to be reported in Chinese. The pathogenesis of solitary diverticulum of the caecum is different from that of multiple diverticulosis of the colon. A study of these cases was made to understand better this uncommon entity. Before operation, the symptoms, signs and physical findings of caecal diverticulitis are those found in appendicitis. The diagnosis at operation in some cases is difficult because the inflammatory reaction may simulate a malignant process. Local excision is the operation of choice. Our two patients were treated by right hemicolectomy. Discussion is presented of the clinical presentation, pathology and treatment of this condition, so that its prompt recognition may avoid the incorrect diagnosis of caecal malignancy, which in turn would lead to unnecessary radical surgery resulting in a high mortality rate.