Successful Operation against Appendicitis in a Patient with Severe Aplastic Anemia

Abstract

A 19-year-old male with severe aplastic anemia suffered from acute appendicitis. Laboratory studies showed a leukocyte count of 200/μl and a platelet count of 2,000/μl, and he underwent appendectomy with massive platelet transfusion and high-dose administration of antibiotics. These provided complete resolution of acute appendicitis. In the past, conventional managements of acute abdomen in patients with pancytopenia were mainly conservative and nonoperative. However, advances in supportive technics such as transfusions of platelets and administrations of antibiotics have made surgical approach possible. This case suggests that a more aggressive surgical approach to the patients with severe aplastic anemia seems indicated.