Is appendectomy a simple surgical procedure?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Complications
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure worldwide.
• Stump appendicitis is a known complication following appendectomy.
• Delayed diagnosis of stump appendicitis can lead to increased morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cases of stump appendicitis following appendectomy.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and outcomes of stump appendicitis.
• To emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate imaging.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 5620 appendectomy patients between 2008 and 2020.
• Inclusion of cases with both open and laparoscopic appendectomy.
• Analysis of clinical presentation and diagnostic methods for stump appendicitis.

Main Results:

• Five cases of stump appendicitis were identified among 5620 appendectomies.
• Presentations varied, including generalized peritonitis, ileus, incarcerated incisional hernia, and acute appendicitis symptoms.
• The study period spanned from 2008 to 2020.

Conclusions:

• Stump appendicitis increases morbidity despite appendectomy being a common procedure.
• Abdominal tomography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing stump appendicitis.
• Surgeons must maintain a high index of suspicion for stump appendicitis, especially in patients with seemingly resolving symptoms after open appendectomy.