A Rare Case of Cecostomy Tube in Complicated Acute Appendicitis Leading to Fecal Peritonitis

Abstract

The most common abdominal surgical emergency in the world in acute appendicitis. Most common age group involved is between first to second decades but patients at extreme age have higher mortality rate due to late presentation. We are presenting a case of appendicitis which was complicated as long history at time of first surgery which led to caecal injury which was managed with ceacostomy. 62 years gentleman was referred from private hospital with fecal discharge from the open appendectomy wound and cecostomy tube insitu. Patient was diagnosed as phlegmon sequelae of acute appendicitis. Patient underwent emergency laparotomy, peritoneal lavage, removal of cecostomy tube, primary repair of caecal perforation and diversion loop ileostomy. Patient recuperated well. This case report highlights the challenges faced and complexities associated with failure of cecostomy in managing caecal perforation following laparoscopic appendectomy. The conversion from a laparoscopic approach to an emergency open appendectomy followed with cecostomy proved to be a vital decision in the face of phlegmon sequelae of acute appendicitis. The phlegmonous nature of acute appendicitis should be managed conservatively otherwise leading to a more aggressive surgical intervention. Keywords: Acute appendicitis, cecostomy, ileostomy, fecal discharge, phlegmon, complicated appendicitis.