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Published in:

01-04-2011

Clinical, Ultrasonographic, and Pathologic Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Right-lower-quadrant Abdominal Pain that May Benefit from Appendectomy

Authors: Alain Chichom Mefire, Robert Tchounzou, Patrick M. Kuwong, Jean P. A. Atangana, Albert C. Lysinge, Eimo E. Malonga

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 4/2011

Abstract

Background

Chronic pains of the right lower quadrant of the abdomen (RLQA) remain a challenging problem worldwide, especially in areas with limited technical background; chronic appendicitis is still a subject of controversy. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and paraclinical data of patients with chronic pains of RLQA who had an appendectomy performed.

Methods

During a period of 4 years, all patients presenting with a chronic pain of the RLQA were selected for our study and underwent clinical assessment and systematic ultrasonography of the abdomen; these served as a basis of selecting candidates for appendectomy. The intraoperative findings, histology results, and outcome after appendectomy were analyzed.

Results

Three hundred nineteen patients presented with chronic pains of the RLQA of which 213 could be finally analyzed; their mean age was 15.3 years; 192 patients were females. They had pains for 2-8 years. Echography showed a heterogeneous lesion in the RLQA in 87% of the cases. The operative findings displayed adhesions and other signs of chronic inflammation in 182 cases. Pathological analysis frequently revealed fibrosis and lymphoplasmocytic infiltration indicative of chronic inflammation. Eighty-seven percent of the patients were cured by appendectomy.

Conclusions

There is a chronic process involving the appendix that occurs in the RLQA of patients with chronic pains, typically the adolescent female. Appendectomy usually solves the problem. The criteria for selection of candidates still need to be identified, but in the absence of laparoscopic facilities, we recommend appendectomy when no other cause for the pain has been identified.

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Title: Clinical, Ultrasonographic, and Pathologic Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Right-lower-quadrant Abdominal Pain that May Benefit from Appendectomy
Authors: Alain Chichom Mefire
Robert Tchounzou
Patrick M. Kuwong
Jean P. A. Atangana
Albert C. Lysinge
Eimo E. Malonga
Publication date: 01-04-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 4/2011
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-011-0980-3

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Springer Medicine

Clinical, Ultrasonographic, and Pathologic Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Right-lower-quadrant Abdominal Pain that May Benefit from Appendectomy

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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