appendicitis

    
      Re: appendicitis
    


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Posted by HFHS M.D.-tbm on March 24, 1998 at 07:13:52:

In Reply to: appendicitis posted by Leighanne on March 13, 1998 at 18:26:53:
  I recently had an emergency appendectomy on Feb. 14. However, I had had recurrent abdominal pain that lasted for a week during the third week of January, went away and then came back the week of Feb. 14. I also had a low fever, but no other symptoms.
  The surgeon found an inflammatory mass, located posterior to the cecum with no easily identifiable tissue plains. He resected the tissue which contained the appendix and sent it to Pathology. The Pathology report showed no good evidence of acute appendicitis. It was described as an irregular, friable, piece of firm white tan tissue coated with friable slightly membranous yellowish-pink material and some clost. On sectioning, an appendix was found embedded in the material.
  The surgeon recommended that I go for a colonoscopy in a month or two, and my primary care physician says this is to make sure I don't have Crohn's Disease. My question is: How can these two things be related? Additionally, is menstruation sometimes delayed after an appendicitis or other surgery?
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Dear Leighanne:
Crohn's disease can infrequently present as acute appendicitis. The findings at surgery in these cases are similar to yours: an inflammatory mass that encompasses and includes the appendix. Although Crohn's disease isolated to the appendix has been reported, there is usually also involement of the small bowel and cecum (area of large bowel from which appendix emminates). In summary, it is probably a good idea to perform a colonoscopy.
In regards to your second question, menstrual irregularities are very common during major illnesses and after abdominal surgery. The menstrual cycle should resume regularly within several weeks or months after surgery.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution, please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to be seen with Dr. Tamir Ben-Menachem of the Division of Gastroenterology, one of our experts in the treatment of intestinal diseases.
HFHS M.D.-tbm
Keyword: appendicitis, Crohn's
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