Left-sided Appendicitis with Intestinal Non-rotation: A Case Report

JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2022 Apr 15;60(248):396-398. doi: 10.31729/jnma.7274.

Abstract

Appendicitis rarely presents with an left lower abdominal pain especially when the intestine is non-rotated or malrotated. Its diagnosis becomes quite troublesome to clinicians and delays prompt intervention. Non-rotation is the most common type of intestinal malrotation. Here, we present a case of a 40-year-old female with previously undiagnosed intestinal non-rotation with left lower abdominal pain and features of localised peritonitis. Abdominal ultrasonography and multidetector computerised tomography showed left-sided appendicitis with intestinal non-rotation. Diagnostic laparoscopy followed by explorative laparotomy and appendectomy was performed. Clinicians and surgeons are usually trained to diagnose and operate on right-sided appendix, thus, diagnosing and promptly intervening on left-sided appendicitis is quite challenging. Left-sided appendicitis must be kept in mind if a patient presents with left lower abdominal pain. Timely radiological scans like ultrasonography and computerised tomography scans help in prompt diagnosis in these cases.

Keywords: appendicitis; case reports; peritonitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adult
  • Appendectomy / adverse effects
  • Appendectomy / methods
  • Appendicitis* / diagnosis
  • Appendicitis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestines
  • Peritonitis* / diagnosis
  • Peritonitis* / etiology
  • Peritonitis* / surgery