Acute diverticulitis of the ascending colon

Summary

Three cases of acute diverticulitis of the ascending colon treated by primary right hemicolectomy with satisfactory early and late results have been described. The diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively, and often the condition is mistaken for acute appendicitis. Simple diverticulectomy is advised if secure closure of the colonic wall is certain. Right hemicolectomy is preferred in those cases that are not favorable for simple excision or when the lesion cannot be distinguished from carcinoma. Simple drainage is advised when peritonitis is too extensive or in the case of an otherwise poor-risk patient.