Stump appendicitis, a rare but serious complication of appendectomy: A case report

Abstract

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Stumped by Appendicitis: A Rare Cause of Acute Abdominal Pain

“…Stump appendicitis (SA) is defined as interval inflammation of residual appendicular tissue after appendectomy [ 5 ]. First described in 1945 by Rose, its incidence has since been slowly rising [ 2 ]. This has been attributed to laparoscopic surgery by some authors but refuted by others; an alternative explanation is the increasing awareness to this clinical entity in recent years [ 8 ].…”

“…A disputed risk factor is undergoing laparoscopic as opposed to open appendectomy. Theoretically, “the lack of a three-dimensional approach and the absence of a tactile return” increase the risk of SA post-laparoscopic appendectomy by increasing the length of tissue left behind [ 2 ]. Interestingly, one review found the incidence post-laparoscopy to be less than half of that post open appendectomy [ 13 ].…”

“…With the treatment being resection, whether open or laparoscopic, it is not uncommon for patients to present with complications of appendectomy. One of the delayed complications of this procedure is stump appendicitis, a once rare entity with a now increasing incidence [ 2 ]. The estimated figure in literature is one in 50,000, although this is likely underestimated and the condition underreported [ 3 ].…”

A Stumping Experience: An Autobiographical Case Report

“…Two main investigation modalities are reported to be of assistance in diagnosing this condition: abdominal ultrasound and CT scan, although the latter is considered to be the gold standard, on account of its ability to exclude other etiologies of acute abdomen [12]. Nevertheless, some studies [13,14] vouch for the comparable effectiveness of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool, and it may be considered as a preferable choice in instances where the treating physician is bound by time constraints, the lack of better facilities, and the unaffordability of the patient. Other reported investigative methods include diagnostic laparoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema, although these are rarely utilized.…”