Unexpected Acute-Onset Stump Appendicitis in a Teenager: A Rare Postappendectomy Complication.

Stump appendicitis is a rare but serious complication following an appendectomy, resulting from incomplete removal of the appendix. It often mimics acute appendicitis with nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever, making diagnosis challenging. Here, we report the case of a 17-year-old male who presented with diffuse abdominal pain, fever, and nausea just 11 days after undergoing an open appendectomy. Physical examination revealed tenderness at the surgical site, and imaging showed inflammatory changes in the right lower quadrant. Exploratory surgery confirmed stump appendicitis due to retained appendiceal tissue, which was resected. The patient recovered uneventfully.