title: Ileocecal masses discovered unexpectedly at surgery for appendicitis.
abstract: During the past five years we have encountered 15 patients who were found to have an ileocecal mass of undetermined etiology when explored through a right lower quadrant incision for presumed appendicitis. Diverticulitis of the ileocecal region accounted for almost one-half of these lesions. There are many possible etiologies for mass lesions in this location, but beacuse malignancy cannot be excluded at operation, a right hemicolectomy is advised. We found that this procedure could be done with relative safety in unprepared bowel under emergency conditions.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001063:Appendiceal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D002429:Cecal Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D002430:Cecal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D003082:Colectomy; D004238:Diverticulitis / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged