Diverticula of the right colon

Abstract

Diverticula of the right colon are usually asymptomatic unless they give rise to complications. Asymptomatic diverticula can only be diagnosed radiologically or at post-mortem. In a survey on the incidence of diverticular disease in Malta based on radiology and necropsy studies, 8 cases of diverticula limited to the right colon were found from a total of 5094 barium studies and 80 postmortem investigations. The cases are presented and the relevant literature reviewed. The major complications which may arise from diverticula of the right colon are acute and chronic inflammation and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diverticula of the right colon are uncommon. They rarely give rise to clinical symptoms but should be considered and excluded in the differential diagnosis of doubtful lesions of the right colon.