Neurogenic Appendicitis: A Reappraisal of the Clinicopathological Features and Pathogenesis

Amyand's hernia containing appendiceal neuroma presenting as incarcerated inguinal hernia: A rare case report from Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Amyand's hernia is a rare type of inguinal hernia which involves either a normal or diseased appendix within the hernia sac. We report an extremely rare case of appendiceal neuroma, presenting as an incarcerated Amyand's hernia.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old male patient presented in the emergency department due to a persistent right inguinal painful swelling. Clinical examination revealed a 5 cm × 3 cm firm and irreducible right groin mass. A diagnosis of an incarcerated right inguinal hernia was made, and the patient was prepared for surgery. Intraoperatively, a 5 cm × 3 cm firm mass originating from the distal part of the appendix was found in the hernia sac. An appendectomy and a modified Bassini hernia repair were done. The result of the histological examination revealed appendiceal neuroma, and no further surgical intervention was needed.

DISCUSSION

Amyand's hernia encompasses various pathological features, including a normal, inflamed, or perforated appendix, and rarely appendiceal tumors. In the literature, we found about eight cases of malignant appendiceal tumors reported. Most of the cases indicate that the treatment of Amyand's hernia containing appendiceal tumors was an appendectomy alone, while one report with adenocarcinoma required a right hemicolectomy after biopsy result. Notably, there are no documented cases of appendiceal neuromas presenting as inguinal hernias in our search of English literature using Google Scholar and PubMed search engines.

CONCLUSION

Amyand's hernia-containing appendiceal neuroma is an extremely rare entity. It is important to do histopathologic study to differentiate appendiceal neuroma from malignant tumors. In case of Amyand's hernia with appendiceal neuroma, simple appendectomy with hernia repair is adequate treatment.

Appendectomy in endometriosis: an update on surgical indications and management of uncommon diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Abnormal appendiceal disease is commonly encountered following an appendectomy when performed in patients with endometriosis. Appendiceal endometriosis is the most notable finding and can affect up to 39% of patients with endometriosis. Despite this knowledge, guidelines for performing an appendectomy have not been formally established. In this article, we review the surgical indications for an appendectomy at the time of endometriosis surgery and discuss the management of other diseases that may be encountered following the histopathologic evaluation of an excised appendix.

RECENT FINDINGS

Removal of the appendix in patients with endometriosis contributes to optimal surgical management. Relying on abnormal appendiceal appearance for removal may leave endometriosis-affected appendices. For this reason, utilizing risk factors to guide surgical management is essential. Common appendiceal diseases are sufficiently managed with appendectomy. Uncommon diseases may require further surveillance.

SUMMARY

Emerging data in our field support the performance of an appendectomy at the time of endometriosis surgery. Guidelines for performing a concurrent appendectomy should be formalized to encourage preoperative counselling and management for patients with risk factors for appendiceal endometriosis. Abnormal diseases is frequently encountered after appendectomy in the setting of endometriosis surgery and further management is based on the histopathology of the specimen.