Long-term outcome of simple inversion of the appendix as an alternative to incidental appendectomy

Inversion of the appendix is an alternative to incidental appendectomy to prevent future ap-pendicitis. This study investigated outcome and complications in a group of patients who underwent simple inversion of the appendix. Inversion of the appendix was performed in 41 patients, including 21 women [51%] and 20 men [49%] [mean age, 48.7 years; range, 12-85 years]. A simple inversion technique was used in 65% of patients. Twenty-nine patients had colonoscopy between 3 to 44 months after surgery [mean, 8 months], none for the sake of the study. During the follow up, none of patients developed intussusception or rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy demonstrated an absent appendix in 9 patients [31%]. In the remaining 20 patients [69%], the inverted appendix persisted with no obvious change on visualized mucosa. Neither intussusception nor hemorrhage was observed after simple inversion. In our view, persistence of the appendix is a welcome event since the presence of the appendix may carry several benefits as it continues to work as a specialized organ, exerting an important physiological role in facilitating forward passage of colon contents, providing antibacterial functions and possibly playing a preventive role against development of colon and other cancers

Currarino triad associated with malrotation of the colon

Currarino triad is a rare congenital condition characterized by a sacral bony defect, presacral mass, and anorectal malformations. We describe an unusual case of complete Currarino triad in a 22-year-old female with sacral bony defect, anal stenosis, recto-vaginal fistula, and dual pathology meningocele and teratoma in the pre sacral mass associated with malrotation of the colon. This combination has not been reported previously. The clinical presentation, surgical management and review of literature are discussed