Evisceration of appendix via drain site - a rare complication in a child

Abdominal drains prevent fluid accumulation and help drain fluid (blood, pus). In recent years, abdominal drains have been used less frequently due to drain-associated complications, like infections, anastomotic leakage, and the potential for the evisceration of intra-abdominal organs on drain removal.

We present a young female with evisceration of the appendix via the drain site, successfully managed by abdominal exploration and appendectomy.

The use of prophylactic abdominal drain is controversial and is of limited use even in complicated appendicitis in the modern era of antibiotics. If a drain is inserted, it should be removed at the earliest to avoid associated complications.

Abdominal drain usage should be minimized in children to avoid post-operative complications.