Stump appendicitis after laparoscopic appendectomy: case report

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2011 May;17(3):267-8. doi: 10.5505/tjtes.2011.47123.

Abstract

Stump appendicitis is a rare delayed complication of appendectomy. The delay in diagnosis is usually because of a prior history of appendectomy. We report a case of stump appendicitis diagnosed pre-operatively with a computerized tomography (CT) scan after laparoscopic appendectomy. An 18-year-old male presented with a one-week history of lower abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. He had a history of laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Physical examination revealed tenderness and guarding in the lower abdomen. CT scan showed free pelvic fluid with a tubular structure of about 2.5 cm in length and 0.78 cm in diameter located posterior to the ileo-cecal junction. Laparoscopic exploration confirmed the findings. A residual appendiceal stump was found and dissected from the adhesion and removed. Histopathology showed a residual appendix with transmural neutrophilic infiltration associated with multifocal hemorrhagic necrosis. The postoperative period was uneventful. The diagnosis of stump appendicitis can be challenging. CT scan has proven to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of this rare condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Adolescent
  • Amputation Stumps / diagnostic imaging
  • Amputation Stumps / pathology
  • Amputation Stumps / surgery
  • Appendectomy / adverse effects*
  • Appendicitis / diagnosis*
  • Appendicitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Appendicitis / pathology
  • Appendicitis / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation