Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Chronic Right Iliac Fossa Pain: Correlating Histology with Outcome

Abstract

Laparoscopic appendectomy appears to be an effective treatment for CRIF pain, while also providing the opportunity to diagnose and treat potential sources of CRIF pain other than the appendix. Consistent with the literature, a small number of patients appear to have resolution of pain, despite no histological change being identified in the appendix removed and no other pathology having been identified. The same histological changes commonly seen have also been demonstrated in appendixes removed incidentally. Caution therefore should be applied when interpreting the significance of histological changes seen.