Right postoperative pleural effusion following laparoscopic appendicectomies: a case series

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Laparoscopic appendectomy is frequently performed for appendicitis.
• Postoperative pleural effusion is an uncommon complication.

Observation:

• Three consecutive cases of right postoperative pleural effusion following laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis are presented.
• All effusions occurred in the immediate postoperative period.
• The effusions were associated with the laparoscopic approach.

Findings:

• The development of right postoperative pleural effusion after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis may be linked to the surgical technique.
• Potential contributing factors include peritoneal lavage, pneumoperitoneum, and the Trendelenburg position.
• Medical management (antibiotics) was successful for two patients, while one required pleural drainage via thoracoscopy.

Implications:

• Surgeons should consider the possibility of postoperative pleural effusion when performing laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis.
• Awareness of this complication is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms linking laparoscopic techniques to pleural effusion is warranted.