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Case Report
The appendix: An unexpected band obstruction
1 Department of General Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Rowan Klein Nulend
Westmead Hospital, Corner Hawkesbury Rd and Darcy Rd, Westmead, NSW 2145,
Australia
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Article ID: 100129Z12RN2024
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How to cite this article
Klein Nulend R, Quinn R, Fok KY, Pathmanathan N. The appendix: An unexpected band obstruction. J Case Rep Images Surg 2024;10(1):6–9.ABSTRACT
Introduction: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is common surgical pathology, most commonly secondary to adhesions. This case presents a novel cause of small bowel obstruction.
Case Report: We present a case of an elderly female who presented to hospital with symptoms, signs, and radiological findings consistent with SBO. After failing non-operative management, and deteriorating clinically, decision was made for operative intervention. A laparotomy revealed a normal-appearing appendix adhering to the pelvic side wall, and consequently forming a band adhesion-like internal hernia and was the cause of the bowel obstruction. Following dissection from the pelvic wall, and appendectomy, the patient recovered and was discharged home. Histopathology demonstrated a normal appendix. Diseased appendices have rarely been described to cause bowel obstructions; however, this is the first case report describing a normal appendix causing a band-like bowel obstruction. Surgical management was necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis, and for resolution of the condition.
Conclusion: This case highlights a novel cause of SBO and reiterates the heterogeneity of SBO causes. Abdominal exploration remains the gold standard diagnostic modality for intra-abdominal pathology.
Keywords: Appendix, Band, Internal hernia, Small bowel obstruction
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Author Contributions
Rowan Klein Nulend - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Final approval of the version to be published
Rakesh Quinn - Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Kar Yin Fok - Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Nimalan Pathmanathan - Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Guarantor of SubmissionThe corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of SupportNone
Consent StatementWritten informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this article.
Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Conflict of InterestAuthors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright© 2024 Rowan Klein Nulend et al. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.
