Rare sigmoid abdominal wall fistula after appendectomy: a case report

J Int Med Res. 2022 Sep;50(9):3000605221121964. doi: 10.1177/03000605221121964.

Abstract

An extraintestinal fistula is a rare complication after appendectomy. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report a case of sigmoid abdominal wall fistula after appendectomy in a 45-year-old male patient who underwent appendectomy due to acute appendicitis. Purulent discharge was noted at the abdominal wall incision wound for more than 1 year postoperatively. The patient's clinical manifestation, medical history, physical examination, and auxiliary examination all suggested the formation of an abdominal sinus. After exploratory laparotomy at the Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, a diagnosis of sigmoid abdominal wall fistula was confirmed, and the fistula was cured after complete fistula resection. The reporting of this rare and atypical case may provide useful reference information for diagnosing and treating future cases of enterocutaneous fistula.

Keywords: Appendectomy; abdominal sinus; enterocutaneous fistula; postoperative wound infection; purulent discharge; sigmoid colon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Wall* / surgery
  • Appendectomy / adverse effects
  • Appendicitis* / diagnosis
  • Appendicitis* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula* / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Fistula* / etiology
  • Laparotomy / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged