A Case of Appendiceal Hemorrhage Treated by Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Abstract

A 76-year-old man presented complaining of hematochezia, and abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed extravasation within the appendix. On colonoscopy, blood was continuously oozing from the appendiceal orifice, and appendiceal hemorrhage was diagnosed. Endoscopic hemostasis was judged to not be feasible, and laparoscopic appendectomy was conducted on the same day. Histopathological investigations showed an appendiceal ulcer that was considered to be the source of the bleeding. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful ; his condition improved and he was discharged on postoperative Day 6. It is very rare for the appendix to be the source of bleeding in lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This case of appendiceal hemorrhage treated by laparoscopic appendectomy is reported along with a summary of other reported cases in Japan.