Stump appendicitis. A diagnostic dilemma.

A case of stump appendicitis in a 41-year-old man is presented. Initial appendicectomy for suppurative appendicitis had been performed 14 months earlier. An ultrasound scan suggested the diagnosis of stump appendicitis despite the hindsight of previous appendicectomy. A literature review on the subject is provided. Stump appendicitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent lower abdominal symptoms any time following initial appendicectomy. Knowledge of a difficult approach at initial surgery may raise the level of suspicion.