What is Inverted Appendix? - Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Colonoscopy, Treatment

Appendiceal inversion is a rare inadvertent finding that can be made during a colonoscopy. Due to the mass-like morphology of this finding, it might be mistaken for other pathologic conditions, such as colon polyps and neoplasms. There is an increased risk of peritonitis and hemorrhage when these lesions are removed endoscopically. Appendiceal inversion awareness may reduce unnecessary interventions and the hazards that go along with them. Due to the conventional inversion-ligation procedure used during surgical appendectomy, there are many recorded incidences of iatrogenic appendiceal inversion; but, there are limited documented incidences of asymptomatic appendiceal inversion without a prior history of iatrogenic inversion.

What is an Inverted Appendix?

The term "inverted appendix" refers to a condition where the small pouch-like appendix, which is connected to the large intestine, is turned inside out. It is an uncommon condition that can be brought on by an appendix infection or as a result of a congenital abnormality. The term "inverted appendix" refers to a condition in which the appendix pulls in on itself like a telescope. If left untreated, this condition can result in intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, peritonitis, and occlusion of the appendix, all of which can be fatal. Surgical removal of the appendix is the typical therapy for an inverted appendix.

Definition

An inverted appendix is a medical condition in which the appendix, a little pouch-like structure at the end of the large intestine, is turned inside out. It is a pretty uncommon condition that may be caused by a birth abnormality or appendix inflammation. This may result in an appendix obstruction, which may then trigger more serious health problems like peritonitis, bowel obstruction, or appendicitis.

Symptoms

Although it is frequently asymptomatic, certain people may have symptoms like those of acute appendicitis, such as

1. Abdominal discomfort
2. Throwing up
3. Constipation
4. Stomach cramps
5. Traces of blood in the stool

Patients frequently exhibit fluctuating symptoms over several weeks or months.

Causes

The most prevalent iatrogenic cause of an inverted appendix is a procedure performed during an open appendectomy. In addition to being the consequence of surgery, an inverted appendix can also be congenital or develop from an intussusception linked to conditions including appendix tumors, mucocele, fecalith, or worms.

Colonoscopy

Appendix inversion is a serious condition that requires prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Initially, there are typically no outward signs or symptoms. Abdominal pain may be intermittent in certain patients, and nausea and vomiting may only occur on rare occasions.

Second, there are no characteristic symptoms on ancillary examinations, and doctors are likely to overlook it due to its rarity. CT imaging indicates a cecal occupying lesion that apparently seemed to be an intracavitary malignancy. Colonoscopy indicates a longitudinal polypoid growth, which is sometimes identified as a tubulovillous adenoma following a local biopsy.

Treatment

Surgical removal of the appendix is the therapy of choice for an inverted appendix, also recognized as a retrocecal appendix. The appendix is normally removed via open abdominal surgery or laparoscopy, a less invasive technique that involves tiny incisions and a camera. In certain instances, antibiotics may be recommended to aid in the elimination of any infection prior to surgery. Recovery time following appendix removal can vary, but most patients are able to resume their regular activities within a few weeks.