Endoscopy 2006; 38 - Poster_43
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-956845

Management of Patients Presenting with Right Iliac Fossa Pain- A Retrospective Study

Y Abdeldaim 1, A Ghallab 1, S Mahmood 1, D McAvinchey 1
  • 1Department of Surgery, Mid Western Regional Hospital, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Ireland

Category: Colorectal

Aims: Right iliac fossa pain (RIF) is a common surgical condition. However, its management could be challenging especially in young women and in elderly patients.

Methods: This retrospective study included all patients presented with RIF pain from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2004. Data was collected from HIPE and hospital records of the patients. 117 patients were included in this study.

Results: Male: Female: number (%): 45:72 (38:62). Age: range (median): 7–76 (42). Non-operative manegement: 45 (38%). In this group 40 (34%) patients had no specific diagnosis while 5 (4%) had a specific pathology. Operative management: 72 (62%). In this group 63 (53%) had acute appendicitis and remaining 9 (8%) had other pathology.

Conclusions: Pain in the right iliac fossa immediately leads to a suspicion of appendicitis. Although appendicitis is a common surgical pathology, yet its diagnosis could be difficult despite the innovation in diagnostic tools. We believe clinical examination strengthened by the laboratory investigations should lead to the appropriate diagnosis.