Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Published on: October 29, 2014

Perforated appendicitis after colonoscopy: cause or coincidence?: A rare case report and literature review

Xiao-Cong Zhou¹, Chun-Wei Huang, Yan-Yan Dai

¹aDepartment of Surgery bDepartment of Gastroenterology cDepartment of Pathology, The Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou Central Hospital), Wenzhou, Zhejiang dDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China.

|November 18, 2017

Abstract

Rationale:

Colonoscopy is a relatively safe and common procedure with low risks of complications, and acute appendicitis with perforation is an extremely rare complication of colonoscopy. The current study presents an unusual case of acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation following a screening colonoscopy.

Patient Concerns:

A 73-year-old man presented to our emergency department with lower right abdominal pain 3 days after a routine screening colonoscopy. On physical examination the patient had signs of generalized peritonitis. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed the presence of multiple free gas in the right subphrenic space and abdominal cavity with exudate effusions in both sides of the paracolic sulci and the pelvic cavity, especially around the ascending colon and caecum. The CT scan also showed a dilated and inflamed appendix with fecaliths.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation after colonoscopy.

Interventions:

The patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperative findings revealed an inflamed gangrenous appendix with focal perforation and impacted fecaliths. The colon showed no evidence of perforation or other areas of concern and thus, a conclusive diagnosis was achieved. An appendectomy was performed and the abdominal cavity was rinsed and drained thoroughly.

Outcomes:

The postoperative course was uneventful.

Lessons:

This study may increase clinical awareness with regard to perforated appendicitis after colonoscopy. Acute appendicitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of lower right abdominal pain following a colonoscopy, in addition to possible colonic injury. Furthermore, emergency surgery should be recommended for the typical signs of perforation with peritonitis and free pneumoperitoneum. Early recognition and prompt surgical treatment are critical, which can avoid severe outcomes and improve the prognosis.

More Related Videos

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch

Published on: August 24, 2019

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Published on: March 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Distinct Nanohoop Structures and Ratiometric Emissions of Isomeric DPAC-Based Macrocycles Tuned by Nano-Twisting of Stiff-Stilbene Optical-Switches.

Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)·2026

Diagnostic Challenge of Contralateral Intranodal Thyroid Inclusions in a Patient With Synchronous Oropharyngeal and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Clinical case reports·2026

In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Observation of Redox-Structure-Coupled Resistive Switching in High-Entropy Oxide Memristors.

ACS nano·2026

The impact of intraoperative small intestine arrangement on postoperative intestinal function recovery in patients with laparoscopic colectomy: A single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Surgery today·2026

In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscope Investigation of the Calcination Behavior and Mechanism of Solid-State Electrolyte Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP).

Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)·2026

Standardized surgical procedure of proximally extended resection and sphincter-preserving surgery (Tianhe Procedure) for rectal cancer after radiotherapy (2025 version).

Gastroenterology report·2026

See all related articles