title: A 60-year literature review of stump appendicitis: the need for a critical view.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stump appendicitis is an underreported and poorly defined condition. It is the development of obstruction and inflammation of the residual appendix after appendectomy. This is a review of the basic clinical, pathological, and surgical significance of stump appendicitis, and the "critical view" required for prevention.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed MEDLINE search was performed using terms "stump appendicitis" and "retained appendix" to obtain reported cases of stump appendicitis. Sixty-one cases were identified. Each case was charted based on 14 variables. Data were analyzed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stump appendicitis warrants early detection. Patients can present with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. A prior history of appendectomy can delay the diagnosis. A diagnosis can be made with an abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scan. If treated early, laparoscopic or open completion appendectomy can be performed. If diagnosis is delayed and perforation is found, extensive resection is often required. A "critical view," as described in this article, is key for prevention.
authors.affiliation: Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Anuradha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Subramanian
authors.forename: Mike K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D001062:Appendectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001065:Appendix / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome