Laparoscopic appendectomy in a female patient with situs inversus: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND

Situs inversus is an uncommon condition caused by a single autosomal recessive gene of incomplete penetration. A potential diagnostic dilemma can occur in the young female patient with a history of situs inversus who presents with pelvic pain.

METHODS

A 32-year-old multiparous patient with a known history of situs inversus presented with complaints of pelvic pain. A medical history and full physical examination were indicative of possible endometriosis.

RESULTS

The patient underwent an operative laparoscopy, which revealed stage II pelvic endometriosis based on the American Fertility Society Revised Classification for Endometriosis (R-AFS), with appendicular and periappendicular adhesions involving the cecum. Ablation of endometriosis and an appendectomy were performed.

CONCLUSION

The authors believe the laparoscopic approach to an appendectomy is ideal in a patient with situs inversus and should be performed at the time of laparoscopy performed for another reason.