Perforated caecal duplication cyst presenting as an appendicular abscess

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Malformations
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Gastrointestinal duplications are rare congenital anomalies, with caecal duplications accounting for only 0.4% of cases.
• Cystic duplications of the gastrointestinal tract can present with varied clinical manifestations.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old child presented with a palpable right iliac fossa mass and signs of peritonitis.
• Initial presentation suggested an abdominal emergency requiring urgent surgical evaluation.

Findings:

• Emergency laparotomy identified an ischaemic and perforated cystic duplication of the caecum.
• The surgical management necessitated a right hemicolectomy due to the extent of the malformation and complications.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in pediatric abdominal emergencies.
• Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing complications like perforation and ischemia in caecal duplication cysts.
• Successful management through hemicolectomy demonstrates a viable surgical approach for this rare condition.