Stump appendicitis

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 12 May 2021

Stump appendicitis refers to inflammation of the residual appendiceal tissue post appendectomy.

Partial removal of the appendix with a residual stump allows for a chance of recurrent appendicitis. Chances of a partial removal are found to be higher in cases where there is a wrong identification of the cecal appendiceal junction and a retrocecal or subserosal appendix.

CT is more specific than ultrasound for an accurate diagnosis because it excludes other clinical mimics. The findings may be similar to those seen in acute appendicitis including pericaecal inflammatory change, abscess formation, fluid in the right paracolic gutter, cecal wall thickening and an ileocecal mass.

The treatment of choice is either open or laparoscopic completion of the appendectomy.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.