Appendiceal Endometriosis

Abstract

Although appendiceal endometriosis is rare, appendix is the second most common site of intestinal endometriosis. Clinical diagnosis is difficult and histopathology is the only way to establish the diagnosis. We present a case of chronic pelvic pain secondary to appendiceal endometriosis and a review of the literature. There are no pathognomonic criteria to establish an accurate preoperative diagnosis. There is no specific radiologic test for diagnose. Laparoscopy provides detailed evaluation of the appendix but gross inspection of appendix alone is not enough to rule out the problem. The appendix may harbor endometriosis and could be a cause of chronic pelvic pain. When performing surgeries in a patient with chronic pelvic pain, surgeons should be aware of the possible contribution of the problem pelvic pain in patients with endometriosis. The appendix should be examined thoroughly during endometriosis-related operations. Appendectomy should be performed if the appendix looks abnormal.