Un’appendicite di troppo

Stump appendicitis is the re-inflammation of the residual appendiceal tissue after an appendectomy. It is a rare and unknown complication of appendectomy. Clinical features of stump appendicitis do not differ from acute appendicitis, even though the history of a previous appendectomy can be misleading causing a delayed diagnosis. Ultrasonography can be useful in identifying inflammatory changes. The abdominal CT is reported as the gold standard for its diagnosis. Stump appendicitis has a higher risk of complications than appendicitis, with perforation being reported in nearly 70% of the cases. Stump appendicitis should be considered in all patients who have previously undergone appendectomy and have had a convincing history of acute appendicitis. Treatment by re-surgery and complete removal of the appendix will resolve the case.