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[Diverticular disease of the appendix]
R Greenberg1, S Avital, H Kashtan
1Dept. of Surgery A, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv University.
Harefuah
|February 2, 1997
Summary
Appendiceal diverticulosis, a condition found in 0.004-2.1% of specimens, presents differently than acute appendicitis. Surgical removal (appendectomy) is recommended for incidental findings during surgery to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Surgery
- Pathology
Context:
- Appendiceal diverticulosis is a rare condition with an incidence of 0.004-2.1% in pathological specimens.
- Diverticular disease of the appendix can be congenital (true) or acquired (false).
Purpose:
- To differentiate the clinical presentation of appendiceal diverticulosis from acute appendicitis.
- To establish management guidelines for appendiceal diverticulosis, including incidental findings during surgery.
Summary:
- Appendiceal diverticulosis typically affects older individuals, presenting with intermittent, longer-duration right lower quadrant pain, distinct from acute appendicitis.
- Complications such as perforation, peritonitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding necessitate appendectomy for incidentally discovered appendiceal diverticula during surgery.
- Prophylactic appendectomy is not advised for incidental findings of appendiceal diverticula on barium enema.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of appendectomy for incidentally found appendiceal diverticula to mitigate serious complications.
- Provides clear recommendations for surgical management, distinguishing between incidental surgical findings and imaging-based diagnoses.
