Primary torsion of the appendix in a 10-year-old child

Abstract

Introduction. Torsion of the appendix is a rare pathology with unclear pathogenesis. The article describes clinical manifestations, diagnostics and surgical management of the distorted appendix in a child. Observation. A 10-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with pain in the right iliac region and repeated vomiting. During examination, acute appendicitis was diagnosed. At laparoscopy, appendix torsion was revealed; its detorsion and laparoscopic removal were performed. Intraoperatively, it was found out that the mesentery had narrow base , while the process length was about 7 cm; such a combination under developing inflammatory changes in the process could contribute to its torsion. Conclusion. Torsion of the appendix in children has a clinical, laboratory and echographic picture of the destructive appendicitis. Laparoscopy allows to timely clarify the pathology nature and to timely perform appendectomy.