Post-colonoscopy appendicitis: A systematic review

Post-colonoscopy appendicitis is an infrequent complication of colonoscopy. This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature's current notions, clinical features, and management of post-colonoscopy appendicitis. PubMed and Embase were searched from inception until December 31, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full-text papers for any study design about post-colonoscopy appendicitis and abstracted data. 56 articles with a total of 67 patients were included in the systematic review. The median age was 54.9 years (range 24–84), with more male individuals affected (64.2 %). The main indication of colonoscopy was investigation (37.3 %). Forty-three patients had colonoscopy with additional procedures (64.2 %). Most patients (79.1 %) presented with symptoms within two days after the colonoscopy. The clinical manifestation was the same as acute appendicitis. The diagnosis of post-colonoscopy appendicitis was confirmed in 70.2 % of the cases, mainly with abdominal computed tomography or, alternatively, ultrasound. Most patients were successfully treated with surgery (88.1 %), either open (56.8 %) or laparoscopic appendectomy (31.3 %). The conversion rate of laparoscopic appendectomy was 19.2 %. Non-operative management with intravenous antibiotics was attempted in 17 patients with a success rate of 41.2 %. Histopathology revealed acute appendicitis in 30 cases (44.8 %) and complicated appendicitis in 29 (49.2 %). Fecalith was found in 21 cases (31.3 %). Post-colonoscopy appendicitis is an infrequent but potential complication of colonoscopy. The onset of symptoms, especially pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting after a colonoscopy, should raise suspicion of this entity. A satisfactory outcome depends on timely diagnosis and appropriate management.