Acute appendicitis after liver transplantation: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Acute appendicitis is rarely seen after liver transplantation.


METHODS
We present a case of acute appendicitis 16 days after liver transplantation. CT-scan suggested this diagnosis, but there were also signs of biliary leakage. Surgical exploration only revealed an acute appendicitis and an appendectomy was performed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperative course was uneventful.


METHODS
Until now only 15 cases of acute appendicitis after liver transplantation have been reported. CT-scan is considered to be an accurate diagnostic tool. The duration of hospitalization after appendectomy seems to be longer in the immunosuppressed patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Although acute appendicitis is not common after liver transplantation, quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent major complications.
Ceulemans
P
P
Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. pieter.ceulemans@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Wybaillie
E
E
Monbaliu
D
D
Aerts
R
R
Pirenne
J
J
D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed