| Abstract: | Ileus and ascites developed in a previously healthy thirty-six year old man after appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Re-exploration revealed a grossly gangrenous appearing segment of terminal ileum and proximal colon that histologically showed only massive acellular submucosal edema with dilatation of lymphatics and serosal hyperemia without necrosis. Severe anasarca developed and the patient died after this second operation. Necropsy revealed submucosal edema of the remaining large and small intestines, anasarca, and pulmonary atelectasis. Regional enteritis, acute nonspecific ileitis, infectious enterocolitis, iatrogenic accident, and allergic phenomena were considered in the differential diagnosis. We believe this case is an example of the rare “capillary leak syndrome,” which has not been reported previously after appendectomy. |
