Ileocecal masses discovered unexpectedly at surgery for appendicitis.

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.