[Diverticulitis of the cecum]

Cecal diverticulitis, is not a common disease, frequently congenital, becoming clinically evident between the second and the fourth decade. The diagnosis of cecal diverticulitis is often controversial since the signs and symptoms simulate an acute appendicitis or an appendicular abscess. Moreover, during surgery, sometimes it appears like carcinoma of the cecum. Barium enema is the only clinical test useful for a correct diagnosis before surgical procedure, but in the case of an acute appendicitis this test is normally not performed. The surgical treatment is, when possible, diverticular resection associated with cecal appendix resection. In doubtable or technically hazardous cases it is sometimes necessary a right hemicolectomy. Mortality and morbidity for minor procedures are negligible, whereas for right hemicolectomy they range between 3,7% and 11% according to different Authors.