Acute Appendicitis after Liver Transplantation: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is rarely seen after liver transplantation.

Case: We present a case of acute appendicitis 16 days after liver transplantation. CT-scan suggested this diagnosis, but there were also signs of biliary leakage. Surgical exploration only revealed an acute appendicitis and an appendectomy was performed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperative course was uneventful. Literature: Until now only 15 cases of acute appendicitis after liver transplantation have been reported. CT-scan is considered to be an accurate diagnostic tool. The duration of hospitalization after appendectomy seems to be longer in the immunosuppressed patient.

Conclusion: Although acute appendicitis is not common after liver transplantation, quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent major complications.

Key Words:

• Acute appendicitis
• liver transplantation
• laparoscopy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Ceulemans

P. Ceulemans Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery Herestraat 49 3000 Leuven, Belgium Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]