Caecal diverticulitis--a review of eight cases in Taiping, Malaysia

Most patients presenting with acute right sided peritonitic pain are diagnosed and managed as acute appendicitis. In a series of 336 patients, eight were found to have caecal diverticulitis. The occurrence of such diverticula appears to be more frequent in Asian populations. The diagnosis can be established at operation on the basis of surgical findings. The aim of this retrospective review is to discuss the management of such patients when acute diverticulitis is found at the time of appendicectomy. It is advocated that management be conservative where possible, with appendicectomy and antibiotics. Where the possibility of a carcinoma remains, investigation after surgery by colonoscopy may be undertaken.