Adult right-sided Bochdalek hernia with ileo-cecal appendix: Almeida-Reis hernia

INTRODUCTIONBochdalek hernia is one of the most common congenital abnormalities manifested in infants. In the adult is a rarity, with a prevalence of 0.17–6% of all diaphragmatic hernias. Right-sided Bochdalek hernias containing colon are even more rare, with no case described in the literature with ileo-cecal appendix.PRESENTATION OF CASEThe authors present a case of a right-sided Bochdalek hernia in an adult female of 49 years old, presented with severe respiratory failure. During laparotomy for hernia correction, were found in an intrathoracic position the cecum and ileo-cecal appendix, the right colon and the transverse colon.DISCUSSIONAlthough useful in patient evaluation, clinical history and physical examination are not helpful in making diagnosis because of their nonspecific character. CT scan is the most accurate exam for making diagnosis. Most of the times there is no hernial sac. Surgery is the treatment of choice, and it is always indicated even if asymptomatic. In general suture of the defect is possible. Due to patient's weak respiratory function we chose laparotomy by Kocher incision.CONCLUSIONBeing the first case of a right-sided Bochdalek hernia in the adult with a herniated ileo-cecal appendix, we name it Almeida-Reis hernia.     

Unusual case of acute appendicitis with left upper quadrant abdominal pain

INTRODUCTIONAcute appendicitis is one of the most frequent causes of surgical abdominal pain presenting to the Emergency Department. The diagnosis is confirmed by a set of clinical signs, blood tests and imaging.The typical presentation consists of periumbilical pain radiating to the right lower quadrant with peritoneal reaction on palpation (Mac Burney).PRESENTATION OF CASEIn this article, we report a case of acute appendicitis presenting with a left upper quadrant pain due to intestinal malrotation and we describe the radiologic findings on computed tomography.DISCUSSIONWith an Alvarado score of 4 and a nonconclusive abdominal U/S, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was a long shot. Persistence of pain and increasing inflammatory parameters in her blood exams pushed the medical team to further investigate and a CT scan revealed intestinal malrotation with acute appendicitis.CONCLUSIONAn examining physician should not be mislead by the atypical presentation of acute appendicitis and should bear in mind the diagnosis to avoid serious complications.     

Delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia manifesting as combined-type acute gastric volvulus: a case report and review of the literature

Acute gastric volvulus associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an unusual surgical emergency. We describe a case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with a 4-day history of abdominal pain, nonproductive retching, cough, and shortness of breath. A chest radiograph revealed a large air-fluid level in left hemithorax and the presence of intestinal loops with marked mediastinal deviation. Nasogastric decompression was unsuccessful. Via a thoracoscopic approach, the large fluid-filled stomach was percutaneously decompressed but could not be reduced. Through a left subcostal incision, a left-sided diaphragmatic defect about 4 × 5 cm was encountered. A large portion of small intestines, ascending and transverse colon, strangulated but viable stomach, and a large spleen herniated through the defect. The contents were reduced, revealing a combined gastric volvulus. Once the diaphragmatic defect was repaired primarily, there was insufficient space in the abdominal cavity to contain all the viscera reduced form the chest. Therefore, we placed an AlloDerm patch on the fascia and closed with a wound V.A.C (Kinetic Concepts Inc, San Antonio, TX). Two weeks later, the wound was definitively closed; she recovered uneventfully and was discharged home 3 days later. To our knowledge, only 26 previous cases of acute gastric volvulus complicating a congenital diaphragmatic hernia in children have been reported in the literature. Our patient represents the 27th case and the first combined type acute gastric volvulus case.     

Iatrogenic gastric perforation in a misdiagnosed case of late presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Report of an avoidable complication

IntroductionCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a defect in diaphragm which usually presents with severe respiratory distress in neonatal period.Presentation of caseWe present a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting at an age of 2.5 years in a male child. It was misdiagnosed as a case of pyothorax for which chest tube was attempted on left side resulting in iatrogenic gastric perforation. The patient was managed by early and prompt surgery.DiscussionLate presentation is usually rare with vast array of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. It often leads to clinical and radiological misdiagnosis.ConclusionSurgical intervention in misdiagnosed cases can lead to catastrophic iatrogenic complications.     

Triple presentation of acute appendicitis,Meckel's diverticulum,and hemorrhagic ovarian cyst: A rare case report and literature review

Introduction and importanceWith 2% prevalence worldwide, Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine, which anatomically results from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct. It is usually difficult to differentiate clinically between acute appendicitis and Meckel's diverticulitis, thus in most clinical situations, it is asymptomatic and usually incidentally discovered intraoperatively. On the other hand, Acute appendicitis is one of the most common presentations in a surgical emergency with an 8.6% incidence in males and 6.7% in females. Triple presentation of acute appendicitis, Meckel's diverticulum, and a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst is a rare incidence in literature.Case presentation and clinical discussionA female patient 35 years old with no previous surgical history or known medical disease presented to our ER with right lower quadrant abdominal pain of one-day duration. On physical examination; there was right iliac fossa pain, tenderness, and rebound tenderness indicating acute appendicitis. Intraoperatively we operated appendectomy as usual through Gridiron incision. Upon opening of the parietal peritoneum, there was a hemorrhagic reaction with a catarrhal inflamed appendix. Ileal loops revealed a Meckel's diverticulum. With the peritoneal toilet, there was still a hemorrhagic reaction. Further exploration revealed a ruptured hemorrhagic ovarian cyst, which was managed using bipolar cautery and ligatures.ConclusionIn the operative management of acute appendicitis, we recommend proper assessment for both the right ovary and at least two feet of ileum proximal to the ileocecal valve to exclude any ovarian abnormalities or Meckel's diverticulum respectively especially if the appendix was normal or just was catarrhal inflamed.     

Incarcerated incisional hernia of the sigmoid colon after appendectomy: A case report

IntroductionIncisional hernia after appendectomy is rare, affecting 0.4% to 0.9% of cases. The small bowel and omentum are commonly herniated through the abdominal wall defect, but incisional hernia of the sigmoid colon is extremely rare.Case presentationA 78-year-old man presented with a right lower quadrant abdominal wall mass on the previous McBurney incision site. He had a history of appendectomy for appendicitis 40 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) showed the sigmoid colon herniated thorough the abdominal wall defect. During the operation, a feces-impacted sigmoid colon was found protruding through the defect of the abdominal wall. Reduction of the sigmoid colon into the peritoneal cavity and herniorrhaphy with primary repair were performed.DiscussionThe ascending and descending colon are fixed into the retroperitoneum, whereas the transverse and sigmoid colon are not, which can allow these bowel segments to herniate through a weak abdominal wall just as small bowel loops do. However, incisional hernia of the colon is extremely rare. The diagnosis of incisional hernia can be easily made because a reducible abdominal wall mass can be detected by physical examination. In cases with rare type of hernia, CT can identify unusual types of abdominal hernias and differentiate hernias from neoplasms, inflammatory disease, and hematoma.ConclusionAlthough incisional hernia of the colon after appendectomy is extremely rare and preoperative diagnosis by physical examination is difficult, CT is a useful method to make the correct diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary invasive intervention, particularly in patients with an unusual abdominal wall mass.     

A rare case of subacute appendicitis,actinomycosis as the final pathology reports: A case report and literature review

IntroductionAcute appendicitis is the most common indication for an emergency abdominal surgery in the world, with a lifetime incidence of around 10%. Actinomycetes are the etiology of appendicitis in only 0.02%–0.06%, having as the final pathology report a chronic inflammatory response; less than 10% of the cases are diagnosed before surgery. Here, we present the case of a subacute appendicitis secondary to actinomycosis.Case reportA 39-year-old male presented with a twelve-day evolution of intermittent abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant, treated at the beginning with ciprofloxacin and urinary analgesic. The day of the admission he referred intense abdominal pain with nausea. An open appendectomy was preformed, finding a tumor-like edematous appendix with a diameter of approximately 2.5 cm.DiscussionActinomyces are part of the typical flora of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. The predominant form of human disease is A. Israelii, it requires an injury to the normal mucosa to penetrate and cause disease. Abdominal actinomycosis involves the appendix and caecum in 66% of the presentations, of these, perforated appendicitis is the stimulus in 75% of the cases. A combination of antibiotic therapy and operative treatment resolves actinomycosis in 90% of cases.ConclusionAbdominal actinomycosis is an uncommon disease been the common presentation a perforated appendicitis, here we present a less common presentation of it with a non-perforated appendix.     

A case report of sliding inguinal hernia containing ascending colon,caecum and whole of ileum with its mesentery as its content

Introduction

Inguinal hernia is quite common in surgical practice. However, sliding hernia is rare with an incidence of 2–5%. The exact diagnosis of sliding hernia is made on the operating table. We report the case of sliding hernia containing caecum, appendix and ascending colon forming the sliding component.

Case report

A 45-year-old gentleman presented with huge right sided groin hernia. Patient was operated under spinal anaesthesia, reduction of the hernia was tried but it could not be reduced fully. Hence, very carefully the sac was opened and was found to contain ascending colon, caecum with appendix forming its posterior wall. There was whole of ileum with its mesentery as its content. The contents were reduced and the sac was closed carefully. Posterior wall was reinforced with prolene mesh. Patient was discharged after 2 days.

Conclusion

Sliding hernia is a rare entity and those containing transverse colon, ascending colon, caecum and appendix are even rarer. Care must be taken to identify the contents of the hernia to avoid inadvertent injury to the structures.

     

Inverted appendix mistaken for a polyp during colonoscopy and leading to intussusception.

A spectrum of appendiceal diseases, ranging from simple mucous distension to acute perforated appendicitis, are seen in patients with CF. We report a 6 year old boy with CF and recurrent periumbilical pain. During colonoscopy, a fleshy pedunculated mass at the junction of the ascending colon and caecum was mistaken for a polyp and excised. However, histopathological examination suggested it was a segment of inverted appendix. The remnant of the inverted appendix was subsequently found to be associated with an intussusception.     

Metastasis from prostatic carcinoma causing acute appendicitis: Report of a case

INTRODUCTIONMetastasis induced acute appendicitis is extremely rare.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present a 72-year-old man who presented with typical signs of acute appendicitis. He underwent appendectomy and was successfully discharged without any complication. Histopathological examination diagnosed the metastasis to appendix from prostatic cancer.DISCUSSIONCancers of the appendix are rare and usually diagnosed incidentally in approximately 1% of all appendectomies. The rate of perforation was found to be higher in metastasis induced acute appendicitis in comparison with simple acute appendicitis in the literature. Tumors other than primary appendix tumors when present in the appendix are easily recognized as metastatic, requiring immunohistochemical studies.CONCLUSIONMetastasis induced acute appendicitis should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis when a oncologic patient presents with signs of acute appendicitis.     

Unexpected diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 2-year-old with acute appendicitis – Case report

Introduction and importanceAppendicitis is an extremely common surgical problem, especially in the pediatric population. However, leukemic infiltration of the appendix is rare and even more so is having acute appendicitis as the initial manifestation.Case presentationThe patient is a 2-year-old female with multiple febrile illnesses since birth, who presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of abdominal pain, fever, and decreased appetite. Ultrasound of her right lower quadrant was consistent with acute appendicitis. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed successfully without complication. However, pathological examination of the specimen revealed an appendix with partial involvement of B-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia in a background of lymphoid hyperplasia. This prompted referral to a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. Further workup revealed abnormal immature cells on peripheral blood flow cytometry. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.Clinical discussionThough acute appendicitis is very common and management is well documented, it is rare for pathological examination to uncover leukemia as an underlying etiology and to have acute appendicitis as the initial manifestation of hematologic malignancy. To our knowledge, very few similar events have occurred and been documented in the medical literature.ConclusionPhysicians and surgeons should be aware that, though quite rare, leukemic infiltration of the appendix can occur and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Notably, pathologic examination of the appendix may be particularly informative. Diligent follow-up of abnormal pathology is crucial in cases suggestive of underlying hematologic malignancy.     

Goblet cell carcinoid of appendix: A rare case with literature review

INTRODUCTIONThe goblet cell carcinoid, a rare tumor of the appendix, is a separate entity from adenocarcinoma and carcinoid tumors.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe report a case of goblet cell carcinoid in our institute who presented with acute abdominal symptoms simulating acute appendicitis.DISCUSSIONGoblet cell carcinoid is a rare neoplasm with distinct histological and clinical features. The diagnosis is essentially made on histological grounds. Still the exact biological behavior of this tumor is uncertain.CONCLUSIONConsidering the difficulty of clinical suspicion of this tumor, presenting as appendicitis and incidentally found during appendectomies, we review the goblet cell carcinoid of the appendix using an illustrative case report.     

Dengue fever mimicking acute appendicitis: A case report

INTRODUCTIONDengue fever is an acute viral disease, which usually presents as a mild febrile illness. Patients with severe disease present with dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue toxic shock syndrome. Rarely, it presents with abdominal symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis. We present a case of a male patient presenting with right iliac fossa pain and suspected acute appendicitis that was later diagnosed with dengue fever following a negative appendicectomy.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 13-year old male patient presented with fever, localized right-sided abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound was not helpful and appendicectomy was performed due to worsening abdominal signs and an elevated temperature. A normal appendix with enlarged mesenteric nodes was found at surgery. Complete blood count showed thrombocytopenia with leucopenia. Dengue fever was now suspected and confirmed by IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against dengue virus.DISCUSSIONThis unusual presentation of dengue fever mimicking acute appendicitis should be suspected during viral outbreaks and in patients with atypical symptoms and cytopenias on blood evaluation in order to prevent unnecessary surgery.CONCLUSIONThis case highlights the occurrence of abdominal symptoms and complications that may accompany dengue fever. Early recognition of dengue fever mimicking acute appendicitis will avoid non-therapeutic operation and the diagnosis may be aided by blood investigations indicating a leucopenia, which is uncommon in patients with suppurative acute appendicitis.     

Acute appendicitis in a duplicated appendix

INTRODUCTIONDouble appendix represents an extremely rare and commonly “missed” diagnosis, often with life threatening consequences.PRESENTATION OF CASEIn this case report we present an interesting case of operative treatment of acute appendicitis in a doubled vermiform appendix stemming operative pitfalls. A 23-year-old female was admitted to the emergency room department complaining of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting over the past 36 h. As soon as the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was established a laparotomy via a McBurney incision was decided. Intraoperative findings included the presence of mild quantity of free fluid and surprisingly a thin non-inflamed appendiceal process. It was the preoperative ultrasound findings suggestive of acute appendicitis that dictated a more thorough investigation of the lower abdomen that led to the discovery of a second retrocecal inflamed appendix. Formal appendectomy was then performed for both processes. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.DISCUSSIONDouble appendix represents a challenging clinical scenario in cases of right lower quadrant pain.CONCLUSIONLife threatening consequences with legal extensions can arise from the incomplete removal of both stumps.     

An unusual presentation of perforated appendicitis in epigastric region

INTRODUCTION

Atypical presentations of appendix have been reported including backache, left lower quadrant pain and groin pain from a strangulated femoral hernia containing the appendix. We report a case presenting an epigastric pain that was diagnosed after computed tomography as a perforated appendicitis on intestinal malrotation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 27-year-old man was admitted with a three-day history of epigastric pain. Physical examination revealed tenderness and defense on palpation of epigastric region. There was a left subcostal incision with the history of diaphragmatic hernia repair when the patient was 3 days old. He had an intestinal malrotation with the cecum fixed at the epigastric region and the inflamed appendix extending beside the left lobe of liver.

DISCUSSION

While appendicitis is the most common abdominal disease requiring surgical intervention seen in the emergency room setting, intestinal malrotation is relatively uncommon. When patients with asymptomatic undiagnosed gastrointestinal malrotation clinically present with abdominal pain, accurate diagnosis and definitive therapy may be delayed, possibly increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Atypical presentations of acute appendicitis should be kept in mind in patients with abdominal pain in emergency room especially in patients with previous childhood operation for diaphragmatic hernia.     

Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix presenting with fresh bleeding per rectum: A case report

IntroductionPrimary adenocarcinoma of appendix is a rarely diagnosed malignancy accounting for less than 6% of appendiceal neoplastic lesions and less than 0.5% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. It is mostly diagnosed as an incidental finding after appendicectomy.Case summaryAn 81 year old male patient presented with bleeding per rectum in a background of previous rectal polyp, hypertension, diabetes and hypothyroidism. CECT of whole abdomen findings revealed thickening at the appendix and base of the caecum. Colonoscopy showed a sessile polypoid growth at appendicular orifice, at the base of the caecum. Laparoscopy confirmed the clinical suspicion of appendicular carcinoma and laparoscopy assisted radical right hemicolectomy was performed. Final histopathology revealed well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the appendix with no lymph node involvement (pT3N0M0).DiscussionPatients with primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix present with features similar to acute appendicitis whereas anaemia or fresh bleeding per rectum is a rare presentation. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, the extent of which will depend upon the stage. Tumours staged as T1 may be managed by appendicectomy alone provided the base is free and there are no lymphadenopathies. T2 or above require right hemicolectomy as chances of lymph node metastasis are high. Nodal involvement warrants the need for adjuvant chemotherapy. Distant metastasis to the peritoneum or liver and lungs is very rare.ConclusionWhile investigating unexplained anaemia or bleeding per rectum, full colonoscopic examination up to the appendicular orifice is important and if required, should be combined with CT scan of abdomen, to clinch the rare but possible and potentially curable diagnosis of appendicular carcinoma.     

Colobronchial Fistula Complicating a Traumatic Right Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report

Abstract The delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Acute colobronchial fistula complicating delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is previously unreported. A 52-year-old woman presented with a 4-day history of dyspnoea, feculent sputum and chest and abdominal pain 3 months after a road traffic accident. The diagnosis of Chilaiditi's syndrome, diaphragmatic hernia and colobronchial fistula was confirmed with computed tomography (CT) and treated by chest drain, primary hernia repair and right hemicolectomy. Spontaneous decompression through the bronchus had prevented tension fecopneumathorax. The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia is difficult but delay is associated with increased mortality. Symptoms include dyspnoea, chest and abdominal pain, with decreased respiratory sounds and visceral sounds in the thorax. Abdominal visceral structures or gas on CXR, CT or contrast studies will confirm the diagnosis. The initial operative approach is laparotomy but thoracotomy must be considered as abdominal viscera may be adherent to thoracic structures.     

Clinical significance of de Garengeot's hernia: A case of acute appendicitis and review of the literature

IntroductionThe presence of the appendix in a femoral hernia sac is known as de Garengeot's hernia. We report a rare case of an elderly woman with femoral hernia appendicitis and discuss the surgical pitfalls and considerations through a literature review.Presentation of caseAn 83-year-old woman presented with fever and right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Clinical examination revealed a femoral hernia. Ultrasonography confirmed bowel was present in the hernia sac. In the operation room, an acutely inflamed appendix was recognized within the sac. The patient underwent appendectomy and hernia repair with sutures.DiscussionAcute appendicitis within a femoral hernia is rare and multiple dilemmas exist regarding its treatment. An incision below the inguinal ligament is a reasonable choice in order to access the hernia sac. A mesh should be placed in non-infectious appendectomy while herniorrhaphy is preferred in cases of appendicitis.ConclusionThe presence of the vermiform appendix in a femoral hernia sac is rare but the surgeon should be aware of this clinical entity. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment is the key to avoid complications.     

Surgical management of a De Garengeot’s hernia using a biologic mesh: A case report and review of literature

IntroductionA De Garengeot hernia is a rare form of femoral hernia, where the appendix is found in the herniated sac. This feature is important to report, as both the diagnosis and the treatment are quite challenging in this particular condition.Presentation of caseWe report the case of a 77-year-old female presenting with a femoral hernia, containing an incarcerated necrotic vermiform appendix (De Garengeot hernia). A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and the herniated defect was repaired according to Rives technique, using a biological mesh.DiscussionThe De Garengeot hernia is often unexpected and diagnosed intra-operatively. A pre-operative diagnosis is quite difficult, as it often presents clinically as a strangled femoral hernia. In patients without peritoneal signs, a contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen is useful for the diagnosis. Many surgical techniques have been discussed in literature, but there is no consensus. We show the feasibility and safety of the hernia repair according to Rives technique, through an inguinotomy with a biologic mesh. A laparoscopic approach was used to remove the necrotic appendix.ConclusionThe De Garengeot hernia is an uncommon differential diagnosis for patients presenting with clinical signs of strangled femoral hernia. Although hernia repairs with a synthetic mesh in the presence of appendicitis have been reported, we describe a case of femoral hernia repair using a biologic mesh, in a patient with a De Garengot hernia.     

Unexpected histopathology of acute appendicitis

IntroductionAppendicular diverticula and associated diverticulitis is a rare disease. Patients present commonly with symptoms of acute appendicitis and require laparoscopic or open surgery. Diagnosis is usually made only on histology. Here, we present a rare case of acute diverticulitis of the appendix.Case presentationA 33-year old gentleman presented with right iliac fossa pain of 3 days duration. On admission, appendicitis was diagnosed on Computerized Tomography (CT) scan and laparoscopic appendicectomy was subsequently performed. Intra-operative findings were unremarkable and recovery was uneventful. Histopathology however revealed diverticulitis of appendix with acellular mucin.DiscussionAcute diverticulitis of the appendix is an exceptionally rare condition and reported in 0.004%–2% of appendicectomies. It presents usually when complicated with perforation and bleeding. There is however a strong association with certain malignancies such as mucinous neoplasm, carcinoid and Pseudomyxoma peritoneii. Radiological proven appendicular diverticulum requires early intervention due to higher chance of diverticulitis related complication. Surgeons should be aware about this rare disease and may consider elective surgery in view of potential risk of complications and malignancy.ConclusionWe concluded that because of strong malignant association, it would be recommended that all appendix specimens should inspect during and after surgery and concurrent examination of peritoneal cavity is recommended.