Epiploic Appendagitis: Understanding a Rare Surgical Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): Michael Sand, Marcos Gelos, Falk G. Bechara, Daniel Sand, Till H. Wiese, Lars Steinstraesser, Benno Mann
Primary Institution: Augusta Krankenanstalt, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
Hypothesis
The study aims to review the authors' experience and describe the clinical presentation of epiploic appendagitis (EA).
Conclusion
The diagnosis of EA should be considered in patients with localized, sharp abdominal pain not associated with other symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- All patients were afebrile and had localized abdominal pain.
- Computed tomography findings specific for EA were present in five patients.
- Treatment included laparoscopic excision in eight patients.
Takeaway
Epiploic appendagitis is when a small part of fat in your belly gets twisted and hurts, but it can be hard to tell apart from other belly problems.
Methodology
A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with EA from January 2004 to December 2006 at an urban surgical emergency room.
Limitations
The study has a small sample size, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
3 females and 7 males, average age 44.6 years, range 27–76 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.3–4.1 cm
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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