Stump Appendicitis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Appendicitis is a common cause of emergency department visits, often treated with laparoscopic appendectomy.
• Appendectomy is a frequent surgical procedure in the United States.
• Recurrent right lower quadrant pain can occur after appendectomy due to stump appendicitis.

Observation:

• Two pediatric cases of stump appendicitis are presented.
• Clinical presentation and imaging findings were reviewed.
• Surgical management strategies were discussed.

Findings:

• Stump appendicitis is an infrequent complication of appendectomy.
• Obstruction and inflammation of the residual appendix cause symptoms.
• Early diagnosis relies on recognizing specific clinical and imaging patterns.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of stump appendicitis is crucial for diagnosing recurrent abdominal pain post-appendectomy.
• Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention can prevent complications.
• This review aids clinicians in managing this rare condition in pediatric patients.