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Mechanical small bowel obstruction due to an inflamed appendix wrapping around the last loop of ileum

M Assenza1, G Ricci, P Bartolucci

  • 1Policlinico Umberto I, Dipartimento di Emergenza ed Accettazione, Servizio di Chirurgia d'Urgenza, Pronto Soccorso e Trauma A, Università degli Studi "La Sapienza" di Roma.

Il Giornale Di Chirurgia
|December 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Acute appendicitis rarely causes small-bowel obstruction. A case study details a mucocele appendix causing ileus and strangulation, a rare complication of appendicitis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Appendicitis is a common condition, but rarely leads to mechanical small-bowel obstruction.
  • Mucocele of the appendix is an unusual entity, representing cystic dilatation of the appendiceal lumen.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with symptoms mimicking small-bowel obstruction.
  • Imaging revealed a chronically inflamed appendix (mucocele) encircling the terminal ileum.

Findings:

  • The appendiceal mucocele caused a volvulus and strangulation of the terminal ileum, resulting in mechanical small-bowel obstruction.
  • This represents an uncommon presentation and complication of appendicitis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering appendiceal pathology in the differential diagnosis of small-bowel obstruction.
  • Surgical intervention is crucial for managing this rare but potentially life-threatening complication.

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