Post-endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy stent impaction leading to exacerbation of appendicitis: A case report.

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) is an emerging technique. However, its efficacy remains uncertain, and postoperative complications often exacerbate inflammation, thereby increasing the difficulty of surgery. The use of ERAT in appendicitis remains contentious, prompting the presentation of this case report.

Case summary: We report the case of a 43-year-old female patient presenting with intermittent right lower abdominal pain for one day. The patient had undergone ERAT six months previously. Examination revealed stent impaction in the appendix, leading to exacerbated inflammation. Subsequently, a solo single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SSLA) was performed. The ERAT-related complications increased surgical difficulty and prolonged the operation time. Post-SSLA, the patient was hospitalized for one day and showed favorable recovery upon follow-up.

Conclusion: This case highlights the risks of ERAT. Thorough preoperative assessment, proper stent placement during surgery and regular postoperative follow-up are crucial in preventing complications, as their occurrence can increase surgical difficulty. Compared to ERAT, SSLA remains more widely used in clinical practice. Both techniques require further clinical data and research to optimize their application.