Single-Incision Multi-Port Appendectomy for a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis: First case report

Two Cases of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery for Sigmoid Colon and Rectal Cancer in Situs Inversus Totalis

INTRODUCTION

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the complete inverted transposition of the thoracic and abdominal viscera. This anatomical variation complicates laparoscopic surgery, and there are currently no reports of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for patients with sigmoid colon cancer or rectal cancer with SIT.

CASE PRESENTATION

We performed SILS on 2 patients with sigmoid colon and rectal cancers who also had SIT. The first case involved a 64-year-old woman with sigmoid colon cancer. A 3.5 cm umbilical incision was made, and SILS was performed using a single-port surgical device with three 5 mm trocars placed in the incision. The sigmoid colon was resected with a linear stapler, which required switching from a 5 mm trocar to a 12 mm trocar. Laparoscopic anastomosis was performed using the double-stapling technique. The second case involved an 81-year-old man with dual cancers located in the sigmoid colon and lower rectum, 8 cm from the anal verge. The abdominal approach was performed using SILS, similar to the first case, along with a transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) from the perineum by 2 teams. Anastomosis was performed laparoscopically using a single-stapling technique. Neither patient experienced postoperative complications, and both remained free of recurrence at 42 and 7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SILS is a feasible approach for patients with sigmoid colon cancer or rectal cancer and SIT.

Left-sided acute appendicitis in a patient with situs viscerum inversus totalis: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Left-sided acute appendicitis (LSAA) is a very rare cause of acute abdomen, developing in association with two types of congenital anomalies like as situs viscerum inversus (SVI) and midgut malrotation (MM). Preoperative diagnosis of LSAA is a challenge because of its rarity and atypical presentation. Imaging may be helpful for determining the correct diagnosis. Surgery represents the standard treatment of LSAA.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old Caucasian male with presented to the Emergency Department with a two-day history of left lower quadrant (LLQ) abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Physical examination revealed LLQ abdominal rebound tenderness with guarding. Laboratory tests reported high levels of C-reactive protein and neutrophilic leukocytosis. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a LSAA with intraluminal appendicoliths, fat infiltration and pericecal fluid collection in a patient with SVI. The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy: a gangrenous and perforated appendicitis was sectioned and removed with drainage of pericecal abscess. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

LSAA is characterized by anatomical variation of appendix and atypical presentation. Preoperative clinical diagnosis of LSAA is very difficult and imaging may be helpful for determining the correct diagnosis, as well as confirming SVIT or MM. Laparoscopic appendectomy represents the correct treatment of LSAA.

CONCLUSION

LSAA is a rare surgical emergency that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with LLQ abdominal pain. Preoperative diagnosis of LSAA needs a high index of suspicion and is facilitated by imaging. Surgery represents the appropriate treatment of LSAA.

Acute appendicitis in a patient with situs viscerum inversus totalis: Role of laparoscopic approach. A case report and brief literature review

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal pain due to acute appendicitis in one of the most causes of access to Emergency Room requiring surgical consult and treatment. The occurrence of anatomical anomalies should be considered especially when clinical and imaging features are misleading. In these cases laparoscopic surgery can be a safe tool in order to confirm uncertain diagnosis.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of acute appendicitis in a 23-year-old Caucasian men with situs viscerum inversus detected on radiological investigation. Laparoscopic approach was used to confirm the diagnosis and to perform appendectomy. Trocars placement was tailored for this peculiar case.

DISCUSSION

One third of patient with acute appendicitis complains abdominal pain in an unexpected location due to various anatomical position of appendix. Left-sided acute appendicitis is a cause of misdiagnosis and it can occur in association with anatomical anomalies such as situs viscerum inversus and midgut malrotation. Laparoscopic surgery may represent a valuable approach in terms of differential diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Left-sided acute appendicitis should always be considered in young male patients with left lower quadrant pain. Laparoscopic approach is useful and safe procedure both for diagnosis and treatment of these unclear clinical pictures.

Acute Appendicitis in Patients with Kartagener Syndrome

Situs inversus totalis is a congenital syndrome characterized by a total left-right transposition of all abdominal and thoracic organs. It may be associated with chronic respiratory conditions such as sinusitis and bronchiectasis, composing the Kartagener syndrome. If not detected, this condition may compromise the early diagnosis of surgical emergencies such as cholecystitis and appendicitis. A rare case of appendicitis in a patient with Kartagener syndrome is here reported.