Perihepatic abscess secondary to retained appendicolith: A rare complication managed laparoscopically

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Appendicectomy is a common emergency surgery.
• Perforated appendicitis can lead to post-operative abscesses in up to 20% of cases.
• Retained appendicoliths are a rare complication following appendicectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a retained appendicolith presenting as a perihepatic abscess one year after laparoscopic appendicectomy.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of late-presenting retained appendicoliths.

Main Methods:

• A 17-year-old female presented with right upper quadrant pain and sepsis.
• Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen identified a retained appendicolith with a perihepatic abscess.
• Laparoscopic drainage of the abscess and removal of the appendicolith were performed.

Main Results:

• The patient's sepsis and pain resolved following the laparoscopic procedure.
• A retained appendicolith was successfully removed.
• The patient was discharged the following day and remains well.

Conclusions:

• Retained appendicoliths can manifest with delayed complications, including abscess formation.
• Laparoscopic intervention is effective for managing retained appendicoliths and associated abscesses.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are vital for favorable outcomes in such cases.