Right iliac fossa abscess as first manifestation of perforated adenocarcinoma of sigmoid: a rare case report

Abstract

Colorectal cancer usually present with known symptoms while there are less common manifestation including abscess formation which can be intra or extra peritoneal. A 60-year-old Caucasian male with a history of RLQ abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and anorexia from 15 days ago referred to surgery ward. Ultrasound showed a hypoachoic lesion with diameters 50 mm × 70 mm in RLQ of abdomen and a round echogenic area in right lobe of liver with diameter 15 mm. The findings were revealed an abscess located in right iliac fossa then local drainage of abscess was performed. Four days later the patient was re-admitted because of severe abdominal distention and lack of bowel movement. Laparoscopy was performed before proceeding with further examinations, due to the poor general condition of the patient. The sigmoid was adherent into the abdominal wall and mild intestinal loop distention and apple-core view was observed during operation. Cancer of sigmoid complicated by a right iliac fossa abscess was diagnosed and Hartman colestomy was undertaken. At the last follow-up examination 3 months after operation, the patient was in good health with no clinical evidence of recurrence.