Stump appendicitis: a retrospective review of 3130 consecutive appendectomy cases

Enis Dikicier,Fatih Altintoprak,Kemal Gundogdu,Recai Capoglu,Mustafa Yener Uzunoglu,Guner Cakmak,Feyyaz Onuray,Kayhan Ozdemir

doi:10.1186/s13017-018-0182-5

Enis Dikicier, Fatih Altintoprak + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13017-018-0182-5

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Abstract

BackgroundStump appendicitis is inflammation of remnant appendix tissue due to incomplete removal of the appendix. Due to appendectomy history, stump appendicitis diagnosis is usually delay and that can cause increase morbidity.MethodsMedical records of patients who had surgery for acute appendicitis at a single center from 2008 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. During the evaluation of medical records, patients that had a previous operation for acute appendicitis or had “stump appendicitis” as an exploratory finding in operation notes were included.ResultsAppendectomy was performed in 3130 patients (2630 open surgeries and 380 laparoscopic surgeries). Stump appendicitis was diagnosed in five patients (0.15%). The appendectomies had been performed 4, 5, 7, 7, and 11 years previously. Mean time taken for surgery was 36 h after symptoms began. Open surgery was performed in three patients, laparoscopic procedures in others.ConclusionAwareness of stump appendicitis before radiological examinations may facilitate accurate diagnosis and decrease the duration of the decision-making process, leading to decreased morbidity.

Highlights

Stump appendicitis is inflammation of remnant appendix tissue due to incomplete removal of the appendix
Stump appendicitis is a rare condition beside the other common post-operative complications of appendectomy which are wound infection, bleeding, and intestinal obstruction
Clinical findings are similar with acute appendicitis, as abdominal pain located on the right inferior quadrant is the most common sign [3]

Summary

Introduction

Stump appendicitis is inflammation of remnant appendix tissue due to incomplete removal of the appendix [2]. This condition, which can be considered as recurring of acute appendicitis, may occur due to some technical and anatomical factors. Clinical findings are similar with acute appendicitis, as abdominal pain located on the right inferior quadrant is the most common sign [3]. This condition is not usually considered as preliminary diagnosis by clinicians at first referral due to previous appendectomy history. A delayed diagnosis may lead to delays in treatment and subsequently to an increase in morbidity

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