A case of ileus caused by appendix epiploica of the sigmoid colon

Abstract

We report a case of ileus caused by an appendix epiploica. The patient was a 63-year-old man who was referred to our hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. He had no history of previous abdominal surgery. He was diagnosed as having an ileus, and a long tube was inserted. He improved steadily over 7 days, but was then started on water. His acute abdominal pain reccurred. Therefore, a laparotomy was performed. During surgery, the ileum was found to be obstructed by a loop of appendix epiploica of the sigmoid colon. The appendix epiploica was resected, and the ileus was relieved ; bowel resection was not required.