Perihepatic abscess secondary to retained appendicolith: A rare complication managed laparoscopically

Abstract

Appendicectomy is one of the commonest emergency operations performed worldwide. In cases of perforated appendicitis, the prevalence of post-operative abscess formation is up to 20 per cent (1). Most cases can be managed with drainage and antibiotics. However, a minority of these will leave a retained appendicolith. We present a case of a 17 year old female patient who presented 1 year after laparoscopic appendicectomy for perforated appendicitis, with right upper quadrant pain and sepsis. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen was performed and revealed a retained appendicolith with perihepatic abscess formation in the right upper quadrant. She underwent laparoscopic drainage of this perihepatic abscess and removal of the faecolith. She was discharged home the following day and remains well.