Appendicitis Without the Appendix? Maybe its Stump Appendicitis
Removal of the appendix (appendectomy) is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, with >250,000 performed annually. Stump appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the residual appendix, and is an under-reported complication that can occur after open or laparoscopic appendectomy. Stump appendicitis results from obstruction of the lumen of the remaining appendix, usually by a hard piece of stool called a fecalith. This leads to an increase in the pressure of the stump of the appendix. As blood flow is impaired, Continue reading →