We report a case of acute appendicitis in situs inversus treated by laparoscopy. In our opinion, diagnostic laparoscopy is indicated if acute appendicitis is suspected in a patient with situs inversus totalis, either because the pain can be referred to the right iliac fossa in about 50% of the patients, or because the incision in open surgery cannot be sufficient to allow complete exploration of the abdomen. The operation can then be carried out laparoscopically if possible; if not, an appropriate surgical incision can be made.
Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica Generale e dei Trapianti d'Organo, Università di Parma, Italy.
Surg Laparosc Endosc. 1998 Oct 1; 8 (5): 393-4.
AbstractWe report a case of acute appendicitis in situs inversus treated by laparoscopy. In our opinion, diagnostic laparoscopy is indicated if acute appendicitis is suspected in a patient with situs inversus totalis, either because the pain can be referred to the right iliac fossa in about 50% of the patients, or because the incision in open surgery cannot be sufficient to allow complete exploration of the abdomen. The operation can then be carried out laparoscopically if possible; if not, an appropriate surgical incision can be made.