Laparoscopic resection of perforated Meckel's diverticulum in a patient with clinical symptoms of acute appendicitis

We report the laparoscopic resection of a perforated Meckel's diverticulum (MD) found in a 14-year-old boy who presented with abdominal pain and nausea. There was rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, which appeared suspicious for acute appendicitis. The patient was referred to the operating room, and laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. With the appendix showing no macroscopic signs of inflammation, laparoscopy was continued and a perforated MD was identified 50 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. The findings included pus and localized peritonitis between the ileal loops adjacent to the perforation site. The diverticulum was longitudinally resected with an Endo-Gia stapler. The histopathologic workup confirmed the diagnosis of a perforated MD. The patient completely recovered and was discharged 8 days after the procedures. At this writing, he is completely asymptomatic 6 months later. We conclude from our observation that laparoscopic resection of a perforated MD can be performed safely even when localized peritonitis is present. Inspection of the small intestine should be performed to exclude a symptomatic or perforated MD when the appendix does not show any signs of acute appendicitis.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for ruptured appendicitis

We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic appendectomy in cases of ruptured appendicitis. Between August 1993 and April 1998, a total of 328 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed in Min-Shen General Hospital. There were 34 cases of pathology-proven ruptured appendicitis. Patients were divided into three groups according to the operative findings: group 1 (10 cases) consisted of patients with a perforated appendix with local peritonitis, group 2 (15 cases) consisted of patients with perforated appendix with diffused peritonitis, and group 3 (9 cases) consisted of patients with abscess formation around the perforated appendix. Three cases in group 3 were converted to laparotomy and were excluded from this study. Mean age (+/- SD) was 30 +/- 15 years in group 1, 39 +/- 23 years in group 2, and 37 +/- 13 years in group 3. Duration of symptoms was longer in group 3 (4.2 +/-1.2 days) than in group 1 (1.8 +/- 1.3 days) and group 2 (2.3 +/- 1.2 days). There was no difference in operation time among groups 1 (52 +/- 10 min), 2 (64 +/- 13 min), and 3 (67 +/- 16 min). The time of flatus passage after operation was similar in the three groups (group 1, 17 +/- 11 hours; group 2, 21 +/- 12 hours; group 3, 24 +/- 8 hours). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (3.0 +/- 1.1 days) than in group 2 (5.1 +/- 2.2 days) and group 3 (4.2 +/- 1.2 days). There were no complications and no readmissions. Our results indicate that the laparoscopic approach is feasible for ruptured appendicitis with local or diffuse peritonitis and in selected cases with abscess formation. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to determine which procedure is to be recommended.     

Intraabdominal pressure: a parameter helpful for diagnosing and predicting a complicated course in children with appendicitis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of children presenting with acute, perforated, or suspected appendicitis were determined and compared to define if the IAP has any diagnostic value or helps to predict a complicated course. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with a initial diagnosis of appendicitis were evaluated. In addition to preoperative measurements, IAP of each patient was determined repeatedly on the postoperative first, second, and third days. The patients were grouped according to the final diagnoses as acute, perforated, or suspected appendicitis or negative exploration. The preoperative and postoperative IAP of the patients were compared among the groups. Postoperative complications were recorded, and IAP of those patients were additionally compared with the others in the same group. RESULTS: Whereas a normal appendix was found in 4 of the operated patients, 27 and 38 patients had acute and perforated appendicitis, respectively. The mean preoperative values of IAP for acute, perforated, or suspected appendicitis and negative exploration were 6.2 +/- 0.4, 9 +/- 0.3, 0.3 +/- 0.4, and 3 +/- 0.4 cm H2O, respectively (P< .001). Postoperative first day and second day values of the IAP for acute appendicitis, perforated appendicitis, and negative laparotomy groups were 2 +/- 0.2 and 0.6 +/- 0.1,3 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.1,0.5 +/- 0.6 and -0.2 +/- 0.6 cm H2O, respectively. The difference between acute and perforated appendicitis groups was significant (P< .05). Wound infection was encountered in 7 among 38 patients with perforated appendicitis. The preoperative and first postoperative day IAP values of patients with perforated appendicitis who experienced a wound infection and who were without a wound infection have been 11.8 +/- 0.4 and 4.8 +/- 0.2, and 8.4 +/- 0.2 and 3.1 +/- 0.3 cm H2O (P< .001). Discriminant analysis has shown that 93.3%, 70.4%, and 73.3% of patients with suspected, acute, and perforated appendicitis have been within the expected groups. IAP less than 1.39 cm H2O has excluded appendicitis with a 95% confidence interval. Although the interval has been between 5.40 and 7.04 cm H2O for acute appendicitis, it has varied between 8.46 and 9.70 cm H2O for perforated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the IAP does not increase in conditions mimicking appendicitis, it increases among children with appendicitis. A further increase is encountered among children with perforated appendicitis. Complicated course is encountered among children with highest IAP values. Therefore, IAP may be used both as a diagnostic parameter and a predictor of a complicated course associated with appendicitis in children.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: indications and current use.

Laparoscopic evaluation was performed in 43 consecutive patients with right lower abdominal pain and preoperative diagnosis of possible appendicitis. Patients with generalized peritonitis and evidence of perforation of the appendix were not considered for laparoscopy. Visualization was sufficient for making a diagnosis in 97.7% of the cases. In 95%, laparoscopic findings were compatible with the pathology report. Thirty-five patients underwent successful laparoscopic appendectomy with neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications. No further surgery was required; slightly elevated temperatures in 6 patients responded to treatment with antibiotics, and there were no wound infections. Laparoscopic appendectomy is minimally invasive and results in less postoperative pain and morbidity and fewer adhesions and other long-term sequelae than conventional laparotomy. It is associated with superior cosmetic results, a shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal activities. This experience suggests that if there is no evidence that the appendix is perforated or that generalized peritonitis exists and if qualified physicians and adequate facilities are available, patients presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and possible appendicitis are best evaluated and treated with laparoscopic technique.     

Morbidity of laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis: an international study

Background Although laparoscopic appendectomy has some advantages over open appendectomy, some reports do show more postoperative intraabdominal abscesses. Methods A retrospective review of complicated appendicitis managed surgically by eight surgical groups from six countries was undertaken. Among 3,433 patients with appendicitis, 1,017 (29.5%) had complicated appendicitis, which included perforated or gangrenous appendicitis with or without localized or disseminated peritonitis. There were 74 preoperative abscesses (7.4%) and 5 small bowel obstructions. Results One patient died. There were 29 postoperative intraabdominal abscesses (2.8%) and 112 mostly minor complications. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary for 28 patients (2.7%). The surgical time ranged from 32 to 132 min (mean, 62 min), and the hospital stay ranged from 1 to 18 days (mean, 3.5 days). Conclusions The morbidity rates, particularly for intraabdominal abscesses, were less for laparoscopic appendectomy in complicated appendicitis than those reported in the literature for open appendectomy, whereas operating times and hospital stays were similar. Presented in part at the 12th European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) International Congress, 9–12 June 2004, in Barcelona, Spain     

Acute appendicitis perforating into the bladder mimicking cystitis

Perforation of the appendix can lead to periappendiceal abscess or diffuse peritonitis. The major reason for appendiceal perforation is delay in diagnosis and treatment. We report this rare case of perforated appendix into the bladder, which caused acute abdomen. We also present a review of the literature. The patient underwent an emergency operation in which the appendicitis was found to have perforated into the bladder and produced symptoms that mimicked cystitis. The terminal ileum and the cecum were seriously inflamed. The patient underwent a limited right hemicolectomy, closure of the bladder with a serosal patch, closure of the transverse colon and an end‐ileostomy. Differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis especially in women is very difficult because the surgeon must always consider and look for many other conditions that can mimic appendicitis. From a management viewpoint, the various diagnoses can be divided into those that require surgery and those that do not. The present case was an uncommon case of acute appendicitis where, unfortunately, its primary symptoms and laboratory data had led to the wrong diagnosis of cystitis, which did not require surgery.     

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.     

Perforated appendicitis causing thigh emphysema: a case report

We report a case of thigh emphysema resulting from perforated appendicitis. The patient was an 83-year-old man who had no apparent abdominal signs and was initially misdiagnosed as having psoas abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed appendicitis, and a barium enema showed a leakage of enhanced contrast material from the appendix region down into the thigh. A retroperitoneal perforation of the retrocaecal appendix without peritonitis was diagnosed. The patient underwent an appendectomy and curettage of the retroperitoneal and psoas muscle spaces, as well as the thigh. He recovered gradually, though the abscess had extended into the hip joint and resulted in osteomyelitis, requiring an additional procedure of resection arthroplasty. The patient fully recovered with no signs of infection one year postoperatively.     

Comparison of clinical and histopathological features of patients who underwent incidental or emergency appendectomy

BACKGROUND Incidental appendectomy can be defined as the removal of a clinically normal appendix during another surgical procedure unrelated to appendicitis or other appendicular diseases.AIM To compare the demographic, biochemical, and histopathological features of the patients who underwent incidental and standard appendectomy.METHODS The demographic, biochemical, and histopathological data of 72 patients(Incidental App group) who underwent incidental appendectomy during living donor hepatectomy at our Liver Transplant Center between June 2009 and December 2016 were compared with data of 288 patients(Acute App group) who underwent appendectomy for presumed acute appendicitis. The Incidental App group was matched at random in a 1:4 ratio with the Acute App group in the same time frame. Appendectomy specimens of both groups were re-evaluated by two experienced pathologists.RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of age(P= 0.044), white blood cell count(P 0.001), neutrophil(P 0.001), lymphocyte(P 0.001), red cell distribution width(P = 0.036), mean corpuscular hemoglobin(P= 0.001), bilirubin(P = 0.002), appendix width(P 0.001), and presence of acute appendicitis histopathologically(P 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of gender, platelet, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume, platelet distribution width, appendix length. While the most common histopathological findings in the Incidental App group were normal appendix vermiformis(72.2%), fibrous obliteration(9.7%)and acute appendicitis(6.9%), the most common histopathological findings in the Acute App group were non-perforated acute appendicitis(62.8%), perforated appendicitis(16.7%), lymphoid hyperplasia(8.3%), and appendix vermiformis(6.3%).CONCLUSION Careful inspection of the entire abdominal cavity is useful for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery such as donor hepatectomy. We think that experience is parallel to the surgeon's foresight, and we should not hesitate to perform incidental appendectomy when necessary     

Diagnostic Value of High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Protein in Acute and Perforated Appendicitis

Aim: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal surgical emergencies. Early diagnosis of appendicitis can reduce perforation and mortality rate. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein has been identified as a pro-inflammatory factor and its elevated serum levels have been noted in different diseases. So, the aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of HMGB1 in patients with acute and perforated appendicitis in compare to normal appendix. Material and methods: For this purpose, serum samples were obtained from 81 patients with primary criteria-based appendicitis 6 hr before and 72 hr after appendectomy, in which serum levels of HMGB1 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The levels of HMGB1 in patients with perforated appendicitis were significantly (p =.045) higher than in patients with acute appendicitis and normal appendix (p =.001) before appendectomy. Serum levels of HMGB1 were increased 72 hr after appendectomy in all the groups (p =.03) compared with the serum levels before appendectomy. Conclusions: Since the serum levels of HMGB1 in patients with acute and perforated appendicitis were higher than in patients with normal appendix, these findings could be useful to develop a new biomarker along with other laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis of patients with appendicitis.     

Appendicitis in children: current therapeutic recommendations

Wound infection is the most common source of morbidity in appendicitis. Most recent pediatric series use protocols of preoperative antibiotics with aerobic and anaerobic coverage, intraoperative lavage, no peritoneal or wound drains, and continuation of antibiotics postoperatively with complicated appendicitis. There still remains controversy concerning skin closure and the duration of antibiotic therapy. We report the results of a prospective protocol followed over 2 years with 420 children. The protocol was designed to determine whether the skin could be closed primarily in all patients undergoing appendectomy. Preoperatively all patients received triple antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin) that were continued postoperatively for two doses if there was a normal appendix or simple acute appendicitis, for at least 3 days with gangrenous appendicitis, and at least 5 days with perforated appendicitis. Antibiotics were continued if the patient remained febrile or had a white count greater than 10,000. No drains were used and the skin was closed primarily. The overall infectious complication rate was 1.0% (4/420). Among those with a normal appendix or simple acute appendicitis there were no infectious complications. Among those with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis there were 1.7% wound infections (2/117) and 1.7% intraabdominal abscesses (2/117). Duration of hospitalization was 2.1 days (range, 1 to 5 days) after simple acute appendicitis and 6.9 days (range, 3 to 40 days) after gangrenous or perforated appendicitis. These results set new standards in terms of wound management, infectious complications, and length of hospital stay.     

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.     

Endometriosis of the vermiform appendix as an exceptional cause of acute perforated appendicitis during pregnancy

The incidence of appendicitis presenting during pregnancy is less than 1 in 1500. Most cases of endometriosis of the appendix are discovered as a result of incidental appendectomy. True perforated appendicitis in an endometriotic area has not been reported before. The authors report the case of a 28‐year‐old woman in her 27th week of pregnancy who underwent an appendicectomy for inflamed, perforated appendix with transmural endometriosis and accompanying decidual reaction.     

阑尾穿孔腹腔镜阑尾切除术41例临床分析

目的：总结腹腔镜阑尾切除术治疗阑尾穿孔并腹膜炎的效果。方法：分析41例患者阑尾穿孔并腹膜炎行腹腔镜手术的临床资料,并随机选择常规开腹手术40例为对照组,比较两组的手术时间、术后切口感染、腹腔残余感染及肠粘连等并发症的发生率。结果：腹腔镜组手术时间45～95min,平均61min,几乎无出血,术后穿刺口感染1例,肠间积液1例,无近期肠粘连等并发症。对照组40例手术时间50～110min,平均58min,腹腔残余感染8例,切口感染7例,近期肠粘连4例。结论：腹腔镜阑尾切除术是阑尾穿孔并腹膜炎的首选治疗方式,具有开腹手术无法比拟的优点,可明显降低切口感染、腹腔残余感染及肠粘连等并发症。取出阑尾时尽量不与穿刺口接触及术毕彻底冲洗腹腔是避免以上并发症的关键。     

Unusual hemorrhagic complication after surgery for severe generalized appendicular peritonitis

The 22 year old male patient, was admitted in hospital for severe generalized peritonitis subsequent to acute perforated appendicitis and toxico-septic shock. On examination and relying on the previous history of the patient onset of the perforation was start assessed to have occurred some days earlier. Severe generalized, putrid peritonitis was found on surgery of the peritoneal cavity. Appendectomy was successfully carried out with a simple ligature of the appendix stump, and the ligature of the mezooappendix was performed without identifying the appendicular artery. Early in the postoperative stage there occurred diffuse bleeding localized in the peritoneal cavity. The source of the bleeding could not by found at the first reoperation. Subsequently the septic syndrome evolved simultaneously with the bleeding in a milder form, however, leading to growth in size of retroperitoneal hematoma. On marking the diagnosis, relying on CT examination, a new, second surgery was performed which afforded evacuation and drainage of the retroperitoneal hematoma. The authors have remarked and have tried to clear up the circumstances which had been conductive to the occurrence of hemorrhage, a thing absolutely unusual in the evolution of diffuse peritonitis by perforated acute appendicitis.     

The avoidable excesses in the management of perforated appendicitis in children

During a five-year period from 1979 to 1985, 100 consecutive children with perforated appendicitis were managed at our institution. These patients were divided into two groups, which were determined by length of illness and physical findings. Group A consisted of 88 children with signs and symptoms of peritonitis from appendiceal perforation. They were treated with fluid resuscitation, antipyretics, and triple antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, clindamycin), and appendectomy within a few hours of hospitalization. Saline lavage was used. Group B was composed of 12 patients with a periappendiceal mass without generalized peritonitis who had symptoms of 6 to 12 days duration. They were treated nonoperatively with triple antibiotics and underwent interval appendectomy 4 to 6 weeks later. The complication rate for Group A was 6.8%. This included three wound infections (3.4%), one intra-abdominal abscess (1.1%), one patient with pneumonia and ileus (1.1%), and a small bowel obstruction (1.1%). These results are equivalent to the lowest complication rate reported in the literature, in which the treatment included transperitoneal drainage, antibiotic lavage, and parenteral antibiotics. Group B patients had a 16.7% complication rate, which included one small bowel obstruction and one recurrent intra-abdominal abscess. Our method of management resulted in the lowest complication rate reported to date in children with perforated appendicitis. Transperitoneal drainage, delayed wound closure, and antibiotic lavage were not used. Subcuticular incisional closure resulted in minimal wound care and excellent cosmetic results. The experience demonstrates that with proper timing of surgery and appropriate use of contemporary antibiotics, the morbidity of perforated appendicitis can be limited and excesses of treatment can be avoided.     

Rare complications following colonoscopy: case reports of splenic rupture and appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis and splenic rupture are 2 rare complications of colonoscopy reported in the literature. To our knowledge splenic rupture following colonoscopy has been reported 17 times in the English-language literature and is associated with excess traction on the splenocolic ligament. Appendicitis after colonoscopy has been reported only 9 times and is usually associated with obstruction of the appendiceal lumen with fecal matter during colonoscopy. METHODS: We present the case reports of 2 patients: a 76-year-old woman who presented in consultation 24 hours after a routine colonoscopy with massive hemoperitoneum secondary to splenic rupture, seen on computed tomographic (CT) scan, who then underwent splenectomy; the second, a 60-year-old male who presented to the emergency room 16 hours after colonoscopy with clinical and computed tomographic scan findings of acute appendicitis who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy. RESULTS: Treatment of both patients resulted in resolution of their complications, splenic rupture and appendicitis. They both had an uneventful postoperative course and are doing well several months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: We report 2 rare complications of colonoscopy, splenic rupture and appendicitis. In the setting of a recent colonoscopy and abdominal pain, a high index of suspicion is needed for their diagnosis.     

First case of villous adenoma of the appendix leading to acute appendicitis presenting as strangulated femoral hernia: changes in management owing to concurrent adenoma

A 78-year-old lady presented with signs and symptoms of a strangulated femoral hernia. Peri-operatively she was found to have appendicitis within the hernia sac. Appendicectomy and non-mesh hernia repair were performed. Histology revealed acute inflammation and a villous adenoma of the appendix. Villous adenomas of the vermiform appendix are extremely rare tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. This is the first case combining two very rare pathologies—acute appendicitis presenting as strangulated femoral hernia and villous adenoma of the appendix. Early diagnosis and surgery are required to avoid high morbidity of perforated appendicitis within a femoral hernia. First, we discuss the diagnosis and surgical treatment of acute appendicitis within a femoral hernia. Second, the presence of an adenoma changes the aetiology of appendicitis. More importantly, changes in surgical management of acute appendicitis presenting as a strangulated femoral hernia owing to a co-existing adenoma are discussed.     

Ileal Adenomyoma Accompanied by Primary Peritonitis: Report of a Case

We report herein the case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with severe abdominal pain and a 2-week history of a yellow vaginal discharge. An emergency operation was performed for localized peritonitis attributed to acute perforated appendicitis. There were no findings to indicate the cause of peritonitis, but by chance, a submucosal tumor was found in the ileum 2 m from Bauhin's valve. Appendectomy and wedge resection of the ileum with the submucosal tumor were carried out. The peritonitis was considered to have been idiopathic from bacterial and molecular biological examination of the ascites. Pathological, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometrical findings of the resected ileal submocosal tumor indicated a diagnosis of ileal adenomyoma with no malignancy, which suggested metaplasia of the pancreaticobiliary to gastric epithelium. Received: August 4, 2000 / Accepted: January 9, 2001     

Appendectomy versus Antibiotic Treatment in Acute Appendicitis. A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Appendectomy has been the treatment for acute appendicitis for over 120 years. Antibiotic treatment has occasionally been used in small uncontrolled studies, instead of operation, but this alternative has never before been tried in a multicenter randomized trial. Patients and Methods Male patients, 18–50 years of age, admitted to six different hospitals in Sweden between 1996 and 1999 were enrolled in the study. No women were enrolled by decision of the local ethics committee. If appendectomy was planned, patients were asked to participate, and those who agreed were randomized either to surgery or to antibiotic therapy. Patients randomized to surgery were operated on with open surgery or laparoscopically. Those randomized to antibiotic therapy were treated intravenously for 2 days, followed by oral treatment for 10 days. If symptoms did not resolve within 24 hours, an appendectomy was performed. Participants were monitored at the end of 1 week, 6 weeks, and 1 year. Results During the study period 252 men participated, 124 in the surgery group and 128 in the antibiotic group. The frequency of appendicitis was 97% in the surgery group and 5% had a perforated appendix. The complication rate was 14% in the surgery group. In the antibiotic group 86% improved without surgery; 18 patients were operated on within 24 hours, and the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was confirmed in all but one patient, and he was suffering from terminal ileitis. There were seven patients (5%) with a perforated appendix in this group. The rate of recurrence of symptoms of appendicitis among the 111 patients treated with antibiotics was 14% during the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions Acute nonperforated appendicitis can be treated successfully with antibiotics. However, there is a risk of recurrence in cases of acute appendicitis, and this risk should be compared with the risk of complications after appendectomy.