An unusual case of perforated stump appendicitis: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: The stump appendicitis is a rare complication with incidence of 1 in 50,000 appendectomy cases.

Case presentation: Patient with a history of emergency open appendectomy one year back presented with symptoms as that of acute appendicitis like pain abdomen localized in right iliac fossa, nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Complete blood count showed leukocytosis.

Clinical discussion: Aside from classical clinical symptoms similar to acute appendicitis other causes of acute abdominal pain were ruled out with clinical laboratory and radiological investigations. This creates a dilemma and delay in diagnosis if investigations are not done promptly.

Conclusion: Due to prior surgical history of appendectomy and low index of suspicion, the diagnosis of stump appendicitis is often delayed which may result in serious complications like stump gangrene, perforation and peritonitis.

Keywords: Abdominal pain; Right iliac fossa; Septic shock; Stump appendicitis.