Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Empyema Due to Thoracic Migrating Appendicolith
Lakshmi Sundararajan1, K Prabhu2, Venkateswari Ramesh3
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India. Correspondence to: Dr Lakshmi Sundararajan, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, 12-A Nageswara Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034, India. lnambirajan@hotmail.com.
Background:
Retained appendicolith following appendicectomy, and can cause recurrent abscess in the abdomen and retroperitoneum.
Case Characteristics:
11-yr-old boy who presented with subpulmonic abscess and pneumonia following appendicectomy for perforated appendicitis.
Observation:
Thoracotomy revealed a thick walled subpulmonic abscess surrounding an appendicolith along with a rent in the posterolateral aspect of the diaphragm.
Message:
In children presenting with pus collections and a history of recent appendicectomy, the possibility of a migrating appendicolith should be considered.
Insights
A retained appendicolith after appendectomy can lead to recurrent abdominal abscesses. Prompt consideration of a migrating appendicolith is crucial in children with pus collections post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
Background:
- Retained appendicoliths post-appendectomy can cause intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal abscesses.
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
Related Concept Videos
Thoracic Aorta
The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid...
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs
Parts of a Typical Rib
A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal...
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
Migration
Cell Migration

