An unusual complication of appendectomy

J Pediatr Surg. 1994 Dec;29(12):1622. doi: 10.1016/0022-3468(94)90242-9.

Abstract

Intraabdominal abscess formation is a well-recognized complication of perforated appendicitis. Extraabdominal complications, however, are rare. The authors present the case of an 8-year-old boy who had an acute painful right-sided scrotal mass 2 days after an operation for perforated appendicitis. During exploration, an abscess within a previously undiagnosed patent processus vaginalis was found and successfully managed by drainage. This case demonstrates that a persistent patent processus vaginalis may predispose to scrotal pathology secondary to intraabdominal sepsis and represents a unique complication of perforated appendicitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / etiology*
  • Appendectomy*
  • Appendicitis / complications*
  • Appendicitis / surgery
  • Child
  • Genital Diseases, Male / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Rupture, Spontaneous
  • Scrotum*