Recurrent Appendicitis as a Cause of Recurrent Right Iliac Fossa Pain

SKY Chang, P Chan
Correspondence: Dr Stephen Chang, stephen_chang@alexhosp.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Recurrent appendicitis is defined when patients with recurring similar right iliac fossa pain had acute appendicitis confirmed at the time of operation and the pain completely subsided after surgery. We conducted a retrospective study on our patients with appendicitis. There were 290 patients with appendicitis over a two-year period and 33 patients (11%) had reported recurring pain prior to the presentation. Majority had one prior episode but 15% had multiple episodes of right iliac fossa pain. Fifty-eight percent of the episode occur within six months of the presentation. We conclude that recurrent appendicitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with recurrent right iliac fossa pain.

Keywords: appendectomy, appendicitis, pain, recurrent appendicitis, right iliac fossa
Singapore Med J 2004; 45(1): 6-8