Left Sided Appendicitis: Review of 17 Cases

Abstract

Left-sided appendicitis is a rare condition caused by congenital abnormalities such as situs inversus totalis (SIT) or midgut malrotation (MM). In some cases, an unusually long appendix on the right side may extend into the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, leading to an atypical presentation. Patients typically present with pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, along with nausea, vomiting, and fever. Diagnosis is based on well-established clinical symptoms, supported by radiological findings from ultrasonography, CT abdomen, and chest X-ray to detect dextrocardia. Diagnostic laparoscopy may also be performed for confirmation. We report 17 cases of left-sided appendicitis, At Jatal Hospital and Research Centre, Latur, Maharashtra, India. Our 35 years of surgical experience, 12 patients underwent open laparotomy, while 5 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. All procedures were performed successfully, with no morbidity or mortality.