Stump appendicitis: a relatively under-reported reality.

Stump appendicitis (SA) is a rare and under-reported complication of open as well as laparoscopic appendicectomy. Diagnosis of SA is often delayed and requires a high index of suspicion in those presenting with signs and symptoms of appendicitis and a history of appendicectomy. We presented a case of SA in a 20-year-old man with a history of open appendicectomy. He was managed conservatively using intravenous antibiotics. The risk of SA is influenced by surgical technique; however, it is unclear whether the incidence is higher with laparoscopic or open procedures. There is little evidence guiding the management of SA with the majority of reported cases treated operatively. This diagnosis should be suspected on the basis of history and examination and CT scanning is a useful tool in most adult cases aiding diagnosis. Management may be guided by the progression of the patient's symptoms either towards operative intervention or a conservative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]