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Right-sided diverticulitis: a difficult diagnosis
The American Surgeon
|October 10, 1997
Summary
Right-sided diverticulitis is often misdiagnosed as appendicitis. Early surgical intervention for right-sided diverticulitis is safe and effective, even without preoperative bowel preparation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Right-sided diverticulitis is a rare condition that can mimic acute appendicitis.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis remains a clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of right-sided diverticulitis.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical resection without preoperative bowel preparation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12 cases of right-sided diverticulitis treated between January 1985 and May 1995.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes.
Main Results:
- 11 out of 12 patients were initially misdiagnosed with appendicitis.
- All patients underwent surgery, with 10 receiving right hemicolectomy and 2 cecectomy.
- No postoperative complications such as wound infections or anastomotic leaks were reported.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative diagnosis of right-sided diverticulitis is difficult and should be considered when a normal appendix is found during surgery.
- Surgical resection of the right colon without preoperative bowel preparation is a safe and effective treatment option.
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