Snapshot quiz - recurrent right iliac fossa pain in the patient with a previous history of appendicitis.

A low threshold for computed tomography (CT) scanning in patients with previous appendicectomy and right iliac fossa pain helps facilitate timely diagnosis and exclusion of other differential diagnoses. Here, we present a rare cause which has significant medicolegal ramifications and is accurately diagnosed with CT.

Recurrent right iliac fossa pain in patients with previous appendicectomy.

Recurrent appendicitis can occur up to 40 years after appendicectomy. A history of appendicectomy has often led to late diagnosis, as sepsis is attributed to other organs, usually the urinary tract. A case of a patient presenting with retained faecolith and recurrent/stump appendicitis 2 years after laparoscopic appendicectomy is presented.