| Theme | Disease of Appendix and its Allied Condition | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis of the Appendix | |
| Publish Date | 1999/10 | |
| Author | Katsuyuki Utsunomiya | Department of Surgery, Self-Defense Forces Sendai Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Diverticulosis of the appendix is a rarecondition. Only 186 cases have been reported in Japan. The average age of patients is 46.4 years(12 to 85). It occurs more commonly in men (male:female=2.8). The incidence ranges from O.004 to 2.1% of all appendectomies or barium studies. Most appendical diverticula are acqured cases. Multiple diverticula are observed in 6O% of patients. Location of the diverticulum is 56% on the mesenteric side, 23% on the antimesenteric side, and 21% on both sides. It is difficult to diagnose diverticulitis of the appendix preoperatively, since the symptoms are slmilar to those of appendicitis. This type is more likely to be perforated than acute appendicitis. The incidence of perforation is reported in the range of 26 to 66%. If patients are diagnosed as having diverticula of the appendix, they should be carefully followed. Also, whenever diverticulitis of the appendix is suggested in these patients, immediate surgical treatment should be performed. |
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