Stump appendicitis. A diagnostic trap

Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2014 Apr;38(2):e27-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clinre.2012.11.007. Epub 2013 Feb 12.

Abstract

Stump appendicitis is an underestimated condition and a diagnostic trap that few surgeons think about when faced against localized pain in the lower-right abdomen. Misdiagnosis and therefore delay of the appropriate treatment results in increased morbidity. We report the case of a patient who presented a 7-day history of right iliac fossa abdominal pain. She had undergone open appendectomy in childhood. Stump appendicitis was not diagnosed immediately despite imaging (CT and MRI) and exploratory laparoscopy. In conclusion, surgeons and gastroenterologists need a heightened awareness of the possibility of stump appendicitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Appendectomy
  • Appendicitis / diagnosis*
  • Appendicitis / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nausea / etiology
  • Vomiting / etiology