Stump Appendicitis: A Challenging Diagnosis

Abstract

Appendicitis of the appendicular stump is a rare surgical complication characterized by inflammation of the residual appendix.

A past history of appendectomy and abdominal pain with nonspecific characteristics are frequent causes of delayed diagnosis, which may be associated with serious complications, namely, intra-abdominal abscesses, perforations, peritonitis and septic shock.

Computed tomography (CT) plays a central role in timely diagnosis and in reducing the morbidity and mortality of this condition.

Thus, we present the case of a 35-year-old man who underwent appendectomy 8 months before, who presented at the emergency department with a 12-hour abdominal pain and  the CT was essential for the diagnosis and treatment.