Adherent appendix vermiformis within an incisional hernia after kidney transplantation mimicking acute appendicitis: report of a case

Hernia. 2012 Jun;16(3):359-61. doi: 10.1007/s10029-010-0751-3. Epub 2010 Nov 23.

Abstract

Purpose: We report a very rare case concerning a 69-year-old woman with acute onset pain in the right lower abdomen.

Patient history: Kidney transplantation for chronic renal insufficiency had been performed 4 years previously. Clinical examination and diagnostic imaging revealed an appendix-associated incisional hernia at the lateral edge of the inguinal scar. We performed a laparoscopic appendectomy and hernia repair with external knots. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 5th postoperative day in a good general condition.

Conclusions: Appendix-associated hernias are very rare but can cause severe complications in case of delayed diagnosis, particularly in patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Appendectomy
  • Appendicitis / diagnosis*
  • Appendicitis / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hernia, Abdominal / diagnosis*
  • Hernia, Abdominal / etiology
  • Hernia, Abdominal / surgery
  • Herniorrhaphy
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Tissue Adhesions / diagnosis*
  • Tissue Adhesions / etiology
  • Tissue Adhesions / surgery