Appendicorectal fistula with a novel solution: First case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Appendicorectal fistula can be a cause of chronic abdominal pain, forming years after an occult episode of appendicitis. It can be diagnosed with Colonoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and successfully treated surgically with laparoscopic appendicectomy and stapled segmental cuff resection of the rectum.

Fistulae involving the appendix: a systematic review of the literature

“…Cases of fistula to the sigmoid, ascending colon, transverse colon and rectum are encountered with a frequency that is roughly concordant with their anatomical proximity to the appendix.…”

“…[103][104][105][106][107] Appendiceal fistulae to the GI tract included 10 cases to the sigmoid colon alone, [108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117] with an additional two concurrently fistulating to the bladder. 118,119 There were 21 cases of fistula to the ileum, 84,[120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128] two to the jejunum, 84,129 six to the duodenum, 84,[130][131][132][133] eight to the caecum, 84,[133][134][135][136][137][138] three to the ascending colon, 48,139,140 one to the transverse colon, 141 one to the rectum, 142 and one to a gastrojejunal anastomosis from prior gastroenterostomy. 143 In three cases, fistulae invol...…”

“…Appendiceal fistulae to the GI tract included 10 cases to the sigmoid colon alone, with an additional two concurrently fistulating to the bladder . There were 21 cases of fistula to the ileum, two to the jejunum, six to the duodenum, eight to the caecum, three to the ascending colon, one to the transverse colon, one to the rectum, and one to a gastrojejunal anastomosis from prior gastroenterostomy . In three cases, fistulae involved Meckel's diverticula …”

“…A congenital communication between the appendix and the caecum is termed a 'horseshoe appendix', in contradistinction to an acquired fistula. 161 Cases of fistula to the sigmoid, [108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119] ascending colon, 48,139,140 transverse colon 141 and rectum 142 are encountered with a frequency that is roughly concordant with their anatomical proximity to the appendix.…”

Incidental Appendico-Ileal Fistula in a Patient With Adhesive Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

“…The exact incidence is not known as there are only case reports and series published in the English literature. Depending on the affected organ, fistulous communication has been reported between the appendix and urinary bladder, ileum, rectum, and vagina [6][7][8][9][10][11]. It can be due to acute or chronic appendicitis, cystic fibrosis, or Crohn's disease.…”