Successfully treated stump appendicitis diagnosed by CT and ultrasonography

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Inflammation of the appendiceal stump (stump appendicitis) is a rare but clinically significant condition.
• Recent literature indicates a growing interest in understanding stump appendicitis.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of stump appendicitis in an 18-year-old male.
• To illustrate the diagnostic process and surgical findings for recurrent appendicitis in an appendiceal stump.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an 18-year-old male presenting with right lower quadrant pain.
• Diagnostic workup included computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography.
• Surgical exploration confirmed appendicitis in the appendiceal stump.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced recurrent right lower quadrant pain 7 months after an initial appendectomy.
• Preoperative imaging (CT and ultrasonography) suggested appendicitis in the appendiceal stump.
• Intraoperative findings confirmed inflammation and recurrent appendicitis within the remaining appendiceal stump.

Conclusions:

• Stump appendicitis can manifest as recurrent pain years after appendectomy.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis using imaging modalities like CT and ultrasound is essential.
• Surgical intervention remains the definitive treatment for symptomatic stump appendicitis.