Urachal Adenocarcinoma: Incidental Finding at the Time of Surgery for Ruptured Appendicitis

Background:

The urachus is a vestigial structure between the dome of the bladder and the umbilicus. Tumors may develop from the remnants, most of which are well-differentiated, mucinous adenocarcinomas. Urachal adenocarcinoma is an exceedingly rare type of tumor.

Methods:

We present a case of a 51-year-old female presenting to our institution with complaints of abdominal pain for 36 hours. The patient was taken to the operating room for an acute appendicitis. Laparoscopy was performed, and gross purulence and appendiceal perforation were noted as well as a mass on the anterior abdominal wall. Based on the location of the mass, we converted to an open midline laparotomy to treat both the perforated appendicitis and to remove the mass.

Results:

Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis and a mucinous-producing urachal adeno-carcinoma.

Discussion:

Data support both open and laparoscopic approaches for appendicitis. This case, although rare, highlights the importance of laparoscopy in a complete and thorough examination of the abdominal cavity. A standard right lower quadrant incision for an open technique would likely have resulted in omission of this lesion, and the patient would have presented at a more typical late stage of her cancer development with significantly more morbidity.     

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.     

The influence of age on the severity of peritonitis

Objective

To evaluate the influence of age on the evolution and severity of peritonitis.

Design

A chart review.

Setting

An adult university hospital.

Patients

One hundred and twenty-two patients with acute appendicitis and 100 patients with acute colonic diverticulitis requiring operation or percutaneous drainage.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient age and sex, presence of perforation or gangrene (appendicitis), extent of peritonitis (diverticulitis); duration of symptoms prior to admission; admission leukocyte count; duration of hospitalization before surgery; length of hospital stay; and death rate.

Results

Patients with acute appendicitis who were aged 65 years or older were three times more likely than younger patients to have a gangrenous or perforated appendix (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 8.4, p < 0.05); older patients with perforated diverticulitis were three times more likely than younger patients to have generalized peritonitis than localized (pericolic or pelvic) peritonitis (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 7.5, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the biologic features of peritonitis differ in the elderly, who are more likely to present with an advanced or severe process than young patients.     

White Cell Count and C-Reactive Protein Measurement in Patients with Possible Appendicitis

INTRODUCTION

Clinical assessment outweighs the use of investigations in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Nevertheless, white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are regularly measured in patients with suspected appendicitis. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of these markers in patients presenting with acute lower abdominal pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

WCC and CRP were measured prospectively in 98 patients presenting with lower abdominal pain, and the results were correlated with each patient''s outcome.

RESULTS

No patients with WCC and CRP both in the normal range had acute appendicitis. Raised WCC and CRP were poor positive predictors of appendicitis, both alone and in combination, and correlated poorly with the development of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This result may have important clinical and economic implications. We suggest that patients experiencing lower abdominal pain, with normal WCC and CRP values, are unlikely to have acute appendicitis and can be safely sent home.     

Role of the faecolith in modern-day appendicitis

Introduction

The prevailing view on appendicitis is that the main aetiology is obstruction owing to faecoliths in adults and lymphoid hyperplasia in children. Faecoliths on imaging studies are believed to correlate well with appendicitis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 1,014 emergency appendicectomy patients between 2001 and 2011. Faecolith prevalence in adult and paediatric appendicectomy specimens with and without perforation was studied. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of computed tomography (CT) for identifying faecoliths in the pathology specimen were examined.

Results

Overall, faecoliths were found in 18.1% (178/986) of appendicitis specimens and 28.6% (8/28) of negative appendicectomies. Faecolith prevalence for positive cases was 29.9% (79/264) in paediatric patients and 13.7% (99/722) in adults (p<0.05). Faecolith prevalence was 39.4% in perforated appendicitis but only 14.6% in non-perforated appendicitis (p<0.05). In adults, faecolith prevalence was 27.5% in perforated appendicitis and 12.0% in non-perforated appendicitis (p<0.05) while in paediatric patients, it was 56.1% in perforated appendicitis and 22.7% in non-perforated appendicitis (p=0.00). Sensitivity and PPV of preoperative CT in identifying faecoliths on pathology were 53.1% (86/162) and 44.8% (86/192) respectively.

Conclusions

Faecolith prevalence is too low to consider the faecolith the most common cause of non-perforated appendicitis. Faecoliths are more prevalent in paediatric appendicitis than in adult appendicitis. Preoperative CT is an unreliable predictor of faecoliths in pathology specimens.     

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy for treating appendicitis in a patient with gastrointestinal malrotation

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal malrotation is a rare congenital anomaly, and acute appendicitis associated with intestinal malrotation is extremely rare.PRESENTATION OF CASE We report a rare case of a 47-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with barium-related perforated appendicitis associated with intestinal malrotation. We used a transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic approach to resect the appendix, and the procedure was completed successfully without perioperative complications.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, single-incision laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis associated with intestinal malrotation has not been reported yet. In cases with mobile cecum such as this one, mobilization from inflammatory adhesion of the surrounding structures is easy.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy is a simple and less invasive method for treating appendicitis associated with intestinal malrotation.     

A Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Appendectomy

Background and Objectives:

To compare laparoscopic appendectomy with traditional open appendectomy.

Methods:

Seventy-one patients requiring operative intervention for suspected acute appendicitis were prospectively compared. Thirty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, and 34 had open appendectomy through a right lower quadrant incision. Length of surgery, postoperative morbidity and length of postoperative stay (LOS) were recorded. Both groups were similar with regard to age, gender, height, weight, fever, leukocytosis, and incidence of normal vs. gangrenous or perforated appendix.

Results:

Mean LOS was significantly shorter for patients with acute suppurative appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (2.5 days vs. 4.0 days, p<0.01). Mean LOS was no different when patients classified as having gangrenous or perforated appendicitis were included in the analysis (3.7 days vs. 4.1 days, P=0.11). The laparoscopy group had significantly longer surgery times (72 min vs. 58 min, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative morbidity.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic appendectomy reduces LOS as compared with the traditional open technique in patients with acute suppurative appendicitis. The longer operative time for the laparoscopic approach in our study is likely related to the learning curve associated with the procedure and did not increase morbidity.     

Meckel's diverticulum with small bowel obstruction presenting as appendicitis in a pediatric patient

Background:

Meckel''s diverticulum is a congenital anomaly resulting from incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct. The incidence ranges from 0.3% to 2.5% with most patients being asymptomatic. In some cases, complications involving a Meckel''s diverticulum may mimic other disease processes and obscure the clinical picture.

Methods:

This case presents an 8-year-old male with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and an examination resembling appendicitis.

Results:

A CT scan revealed findings consistent with appendicitis with dilated loops of small bowel. During laparoscopic appendectomy, the appendix appeared unimpressive, and an inflamed Meckel''s diverticulum was found with an adhesive band creating an internal hernia with small bowel obstruction. The diverticulum was resected after the appendix was removed.

Conclusion:

The incidence of an internal hernia with a Meckel''s diverticulum is rare. A diseased Meckel''s diverticulum can be overlooked in many cases, especially in those resembling appendicitis. It is recommended that the small bowel be assessed in all appendectomy cases for a pathological Meckel''s diverticulum.     

Systematic review of blunt abdominal trauma as a cause of acute appendicitis

INTRODUCTION

Acute appendicitis commonly presents as an acute abdomen. Cases of acute appendicitis caused by blunt abdominal trauma are rare. We present a systematic review of appendicitis following blunt abdominal trauma. The aim of this review was to collate and report the clinical presentations and experience of such cases.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A literature review was performed using PubMed, Embase and Medline and the keywords ‘appendicitis’, ‘abdominal’ and ‘trauma’.

RESULTS

The initial search returned 381 papers, of which 17 articles were included. We found 28 cases of acute appendicitis secondary to blunt abdominal trauma reported in the literature between 1991 and 2009. Mechanisms of injury included road-traffic accidents, falls, assaults and accidents. Presenting symptoms invariably included abdominal pain, but also nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Only 12 patients had computed tomography scans and 10 patients had ultrasonography. All reported treatment was surgical and positive for appendicitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis must be considered following direct abdominal trauma especially if the patient complains of abdominal right lower quadrant pain, nausea and anorexia. Haemodynamically stable patients who present shortly after blunt abdominal trauma with right lower quadrant pain and tenderness should undergo urgent imaging with a plan to proceed to appendicectomy if the imaging suggested an inflammatory process within the right iliac fossa.     

Association between the appendix and the fecalith in adults

Background

We sought to determine the association between the presence of a fecalith and acute/nonperforated appendicitis, gangrenous/perforated appendicitis and the healthy appendix.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed appendectomies performed between October 2003 and February 2012. We collected data on age, sex, appendix histology and the presence of a fecalith.

Results

During the study period, 1357 appendectomies were performed. Fecaliths were present in 186 patients (13.7%). There were 94 male (50.5%) and 92 female patients, and the mean age was 32 (range of 10–76) years. The fecalith rate was 13%–16% and was nonexistant after age 80 years. The main groups with fecaliths were those with acute/nonperforated appendicitis (n = 121, 65.1%, p = 0.041) and those with a healthy appendix (n = 65, 34.9%, p = 0.003). The presence of fecaliths in the gangrenous/perforated appendicitis group was not significant (n = 19, 10.2%, p = 0.93). There were no fecaliths in patients with serositis, carcinoid or carcinoma.

Conclusion

Our data confirm the theory of a statistical association between the presence of a fecalith and acute (nonperforated) appendicitis in adults. There was also a significant association between the healthy appendix and asymptomatic fecaliths. There was no correlation between a gangrenous/perforated appendix and the presence of a fecalith. The fecalith is an incidental finding and not always the primary cause of acute (nonperforated) appendictis or gangrenous (perforated) appendicitis. Further research on the topic is recommended.     

The value of hyperbilirubinaemia in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

INTRODUCTION

No reliably specific marker for acute appendicitis has been identified. Although recent studies have shown hyperbilirubinaemia to be a useful predictor of appendiceal perforation, they did not focus on the value of bilirubin as a marker for acute appendicitis. The aim of this study was to determine the value of hyperbilirubinaemia as a marker for acute appendicitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of appendicectomies performed in two hospitals (n=472). Data collected included laboratory and histological results. Patients were grouped according to histology findings and comparisons were made between the groups.

RESULTS

The mean bilirubin levels were higher for patients with simple appendicitis compared to those with a non-inflamed appendix (p<0.001). More patients with simple appendicitis had hyperbilirubinaemia on admission (30% vs 12%) and the odds of these patients having appendicitis were over three times higher (odds ratio: 3.25, p<0.001). Hyperbilirubinaemia had a specificity of 88% and a positive predictive value of 91% for acute appendicitis. Patients with appendicitis who had a perforated or gangrenous appendix had higher mean bilirubin levels (p=0.01) and were more likely to have hyperbilirubinaemia (p<0.001). The specificity of hyperbilirubinaemia for perforation or gangrene was 70%. The specificities of white cell count and C-reactive protein were less than hyperbilirubinaemia for simple appendicitis (60% and 72%) and perforated or gangrenous appendicitis (19% and 36%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperbilirubinaemia is a valuable marker for acute appendicitis. Patients with hyperbilirubinaemia are also more likely to have appendiceal perforation or gangrene. Bilirubin should be included in the assessment of patients with suspected appendicitis.     

Bladder injuries in emergency/expedited laparoscopic surgery in the absence of previous surgery: a case series

INTRODUCTION

The use of laparoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool is being used increasingly in the emergency setting with many of these procedures being performed by trainees. While the incidence of iatrogenic injuries is reported to be low, we present six emergency or expedited cases in which the bladder was perforated by the suprapubic trocar.

CASES

Three cases were related to the management of appendicitis, two to negative diagnostic laparoscopies for lower abdominal pain and one to an ectopic pregnancy. Management of the bladder injuries varied from a urinary catheter alone to laparotomy with debridement of the abdominal wall due to sepsis and later reconstruction. Four of the six cases were performed by registrars.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of bladder injury is low, its importance is highlighted by the large number of laparoscopies being performed. In addition to catheterisation of the patient, care must be taken with the insertion of low suprapubic ports and consideration should be made regarding alternative sites. Adequate laparoscopic supervision and training in port site planning is required for surgical trainees.     

Small bowel volvulus with no malrotation after laparoscopic appendicectomy: Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Small bowel volvulus, as a complication of laparoscopic surgery, is a rarely reported clinical entity. We present a case of a young female who developed small intestinal volvulus after laparoscopic appendicectomy. She had this complication in the absence of malrotation or other previous abdominal operations.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 17-year-old woman presented with acute appendicitis. After an uneventful laparoscopic appendicectomy, she developed acute small intestinal obstruction on the second post-operative day. A prompt laparotomy showed small bowel volvulus, which was reduced, with no evidence of malrotation. She had an uneventful recovery and was discharged within 3 days of the second operation, in a stable condition.

DISCUSSION

This article presents a review of the literature of this rare cause of small intestinal obstruction after laparoscopic surgery, stressing on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. A discussion of the potential factors predisposing to this entity is presented, emphasising the need of a higher-evidence study as to its aetiology and prevalence.

CONCLUSION

Small bowel volvulus is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery, but its early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential to avoid morbid outcomes. Surgery is the therapeutic mainstay.     

Vanek's tumour mimicking an acute appendicitis

Introduction

Vanek''s tumour or Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (IFP) are rare, benign localised lesions originating from the sub-mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract.¹ They have been widely reported as occurring within the stomach, Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum, more rarely (<1%) in the caecum or appendix.

Presentation of case

We present a case of a 28-year-old lady who presented with a 2-day history of right iliac fossa pain, nausea and low-grade fever. Subsequent, ultrasonography (USS) of the abdomen demonstrated an inflamed tubular structure originating from caecum with fluid in the pelvis mimicking an acute appendicitis. Next to normal appendix an inflammatory polypoid mass was identified and on histological examination confirmed to be an IFP (Vanek''s tumour).

Discussion

Right Iliac Fossa (RIF) pain with suspected appendicitis is one of the most common presentations in any acute surgical unit. In young women of childbearing age, the differential diagnosis can be varied and vast. The surgical management of IFP (Vanek''s tumour) in such cases ranges from limited resection and caecectomy to limited right hemicolectomy.

Conclusion

To date, the exact histiogenesis of these tumours remains unclear and requires a high level of intra-operative suspicion. According to our search such presentation is not reported.     

Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children

Background and Objectives:

The advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy over open appendectomy have not yet been clearly demonstrated. The present study evaluated our early experience with laparoscopic appendectomy in children, in terms of its safety, effectiveness, technical difficulties, and economics.

Methods:

We reviewed the records of 50 cases involving laparoscopic appendectomy performed at our affiliated institutions between September, 1994, and September, 1996. Patient age ranged from 6 to 18 years (mean, 14 years). Thirty-two patients had acute nonperforated appendicitis, six had perforated appendicitis, two had fibrosis of the appendix, and ten had a histologically normal appendix.

Results:

In five patients the laparoscopic procedures were converted to open appendectomies because of technical difficulties. There were postoperative complications in four patients: one incomplete appendectomy which subsequently required an open appendectomy for completion, one pelvic abscess, one bowel obstruction, and one minor wound infection.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure. It takes longer operative time than open appendectomy. Length of hospitalization and incidence of postoperative complications are equivalent to those of open appendectomy. Economic benefits are difficult to assess at present. In sum, we believe that with better training, surgical techniques and equipment, laparoscopic appendectomy will eventually become the surgical procedure of choice in appendicitis.     

The diagnostic value of white cell count,C-reactive protein and bilirubin in acute appendicitis and its complications

Introduction

Inflammatory markers such as white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and, more recently, bilirubin have been used as adjuncts in the diagnosis of appendicitis. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the above markers in acute and perforated appendicitis as well as their value in excluding the condition.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1,169 appendicectomies was performed. Patients were grouped according to histological examination of appendicectomy specimens (normal appendix = NA, acute appendicitis = AA, perforated appendicitis = PA) and preoperative laboratory test results were correlated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area analysis (area under the curve [AUC]) was performed to examine diagnostic accuracy.

Results

ROC analysis of all laboratory variables showed that no independent variable was diagnostic for AA. Good diagnostic accuracy was seen for AA when all variables were combined (WCC/CRP/bilirubin combined AUC: 0.8173). In PA, the median CRP level was significantly higher than that of AA (158mg/l vs 30mg, p<0.0001). CRP also showed the highest sensitivity (100%) and negative predictive value (100%) for PA. CRP had the highest diagnostic accuracy in PA (AUC: 0.9322) and this was increased when it was combined with WCC (AUC: 0.9388). Bilirubin added no diagnostic value in PA. Normal levels of WCC, CRP and bilirubin could not rule out appendicitis.

Conclusions

CRP provides the highest diagnostic accuracy for PA. Bilirubin did not provide any discriminatory value for AA and its complications. Normal inflammatory markers cannot exclude appendicitis, which remains a clinical diagnosis.     

To CT or not to CT? The influence of computed tomography on the diagnosis of appendicitis in obese pediatric patients

Background

Appendicitis is a common pediatric query. However, obesity often results in nondiagnostic ultrasounds and increased likelihood of abdominal computed tomography (CT). Concern regarding radiation exposure led the Canadian Association of Radiologists to recommend foregoing CT when ultrasounds are nondiagnostic and clinical suspicion is high. We evaluated this recommendation by quantifying the influence of CT on the diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis.

Methods

We performed a 2-year retrospective case series of children presenting with suspected appendicitis. We stratified patients by weight (obese v. nonobese) and pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) and examined how often they received abdominal CT, why they received it, and its influence on diagnosis.

Results

Of 223 patients (84 obese, 139 nonobese), 54 received CT. Obese patients received CTs more frequently than nonobese patients (29% v. 22%). The most common reason for CT was a nondiagnostic ultrasound (75% in obese, 80% in nonobese patients). Sixty-five percent of CTs obtained after nondiagnostic ultrasounds confirmed the initial diagnosis, but the rates were 80% and 50%, respectively, when only obese and only nonobese patients were considered. Obese patients were 4 times more likely to have a CT confirming their initial appendicitis diagnosis.

Conclusion

Because obese patients are more likely than nonobese patients to have a CT that confirms appendicitis, when treating an obese pediatric patient with suspected appendicitis and a nondiagnostic ultrasound, surgeons with a high clinical suspicion should strongly consider foregoing CT and proceeding with treatment.     

Simultaneous liver resection and double cardiac valve replacement. A case report

INTRODUCTION

We present a rare case in which both a double cardiac valve replacement was performed as well as a hepatic resection.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the case of a 36 year old patient who presented with intra abdominal bleeding thought to have been caused by a liver haemangioma she also had severe autoimmune cardiac valve disease. She underwent a simultaneous right hepatectomy with cardiac valve replacement.

DISCUSSION

Management of this challenging case is discussed.

CONCLUSION

We advocate the possibility of performing combined operations where both valve replacement and hepatic resection is required.     

Impact of computed tomography of the abdomen on clinical outcomes in patients with acute right lower quadrant pain: a meta-analysis

Background

Clinical evaluation alone is still considered adequate by many clinicians who treat patients with appendicitis. The impact of computed tomography (CT) on clinical outcomes remains unclear, and there is no consensus regarding the appropriate use of CT in these patients. We sought to evaluate the impact of abdominal CT on the clinical outcomes of patients presenting with suspected appendicitis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify studies that examined clinical outcomes related to the use of abdominal CT in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Inclusion criteria were studies of adult patients with suspected appendicitis that evaluated the impact of abdominal CT on negative appendectomy rates, perforation rates or time to surgery. Two independent investigators reviewed all titles and abstracts and extracted data from 28 full-text articles. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.0.10 software.

Results

The negative appendectomy rate was 8.7% when using CT compared with 16.7% when using clinical evaluation alone (p < 0.001). There was also a significantly lower negative appendectomy rate during the CT era compared with the pre-CT era (10.0% v. 21.5%, p < 0.001). Time to surgery was evaluated in 10 of the 28 studies, 5 of which demonstrated a significant increase in the time to surgery with the use of CT. Appendiceal perforation rates were unchanged by the use of CT (23.4% in the CT group v. 16.7% in the clinical evaluation group, p = 0.15). Similarly, the perforation rate during the CT era was not significantly different than that during the pre-CT era (20.0% v. 19.6%, p = 0.74).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that the use of preoperative abdominal CT is associated with lower negative appendectomy rates. The use of CT in the absence of an expedited imaging protocol may delay surgery, but this delay is not associated with increased appendiceal perforation rates. Routine CT in all patients presenting with suspected appendicitis could reduce the rate of unnecessary surgery without increasing morbidity.