Work

Viable appendico-ileal knotting resulting in acute small bowel obstruction: a case report from Ethiopia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Appendico-ileal knotting is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction, usually complicated by strangulation and resection of bowel. A 32-year-old woman presented with 24-hour abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, distension, and obstipation. Visible peristalsis was noted on physical examination; a radiograph showed multiple air-fluid levels and a dilated small bowel. Emergency laparotomy revealed an inflamed appendix, which formed a constricting ring around a loop of 15 cm of distal ileum, which was viable. The knot was released with retrograde appendectomy without bowel resection. A follow-up 1 year later revealed no complications and a complete recovery. Early recognition and appropriate timely intervention can help in the preservation of bowel viability in appendico-ileal knotting, and hence organ-sparing management can be achieved.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf1109

Authors: Amanuel Mesfin Oljira, Abebe Megersa Tebelu, Motume Birhanu Abdisa

Institution: Ambo University

Language: English

Topic: Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000