Abstract Symptomatic duodenal diverticulum is a rare surgical entity, the diagnosis of which is generally made by exclusion. Operation is indicated when no other disease will account for the particular symptoms. Anatomically, the close proximity of the common duct requires careful attention to the dissection and closure of the defect. Three cases are presented, one patient with symptoms and two with other symptomatic disease, all of whom had resection of the diverticula without added morbidity or mortality. It would seem advisable to remove a duodenal diverticulum at the time of other surgery if it does not add to the surgical risk.