Stump appendicitis: a comprehensive review of literature

Abstract

Appendectomy for appendicitis is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. Residual tissue left after an initial appendectomy risks the development of stump appendicitis. A comprehensive review of the English-language literature revealed 36 reported cases of stump appendicitis. Typically, patients present with signs and symptoms similar to acute appendicitis; however, due to prior surgery, the diagnosis is difficult and the rate of appendiceal stump perforation is extremely high. Herein, we present a case of a 32-year-old female presenting with right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and fever 5 months after laparoscopic appendectomy. Upon surgery, an appendiceal stump was discovered.