An exceptional complication following appendectomy: Acute inguinal and scrotal suppuration

Abstract

Inguinal and scrotal suppuration following appendectomy is a rare event, occurring mostly when a patent processus vaginalis is present. Herein we report a small series of children operated for appendicitis and presented with acute inguinal and scrotal symptoms postoperatively. Although acute scrotum is commonly attributed to torsion of testis or its appendage, epididymo-orchitis and incarcerated hernia, following appendicitis scrotal and/or inguinal abscess should be considered.

Scrotal abscess as a complication of perforated appendicitis: A case report and review of the literature

“…All were males except one female 3 years old developed an abscess in the labial fold, seven days following appendectomy for perforated appendicitis and had a patent processus vaginalis. This is the only female reported with this complication [ 9 ]. Fifteen patients had a PPV and 14 required secondary operation following their primary appendectomy procedure.…”

Ruptured Appendicitis Presenting as Acute Scrotal Swelling in a 23-Month-Old Toddler

“…The mean age of presentation was slightly > 7 years, with five cases involving children under the age of 5 years (6-9). One case reported labial involvement in a female patient: the remainder were males (9). As one might predict, right-sided scrotal involvement was more common, occurring 75% of the time.…”

“…Postoperative abscesses may similarly tract down the inguinal canal and present with acute inguinal and scrotal signs. This may occur 5-10 days after appendectomy and be associated with vague abdominal complaints, fever, and vomiting (9,11).…”

Scrotal abscess with a rare cause

“…Most patients who develop acute scrotal signs due to appendicular pathology have a PPV. [1] Less than one-third of these patients have a clinical hernia before presentation.…”