Appendicitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Appendicitis, including details on symptoms, surgery, causes, treatment.

Amyand's hernia causing necrotising fasciitis of the anterior abdominal wall.

Marron CD, Khadim M, McKay D, Mackle EJ, Peyton JW

Department of Surgery, Craigavon Area Hospital, Lurgan Road, Portadown, BT63 5QQ, Northern Ireland, UK, cdmarron@dsl.pipex.com.

The finding of appendicitis within an inguinal hernia is a recognized phenomenon: Amyand's hernia. The development of necrotising soft tissue infection-necrotising fasciitis-is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a case of Amyand's hernia resulting in a severe, life-threatening necrotising soft tissue infection, which is previously unreported in English literature. We outline features relating to the diagnosis of this rare condition, and improve awareness among clinicians of the possibility of appendicitis within a direct inguinal hernia, and highlight the importance of appropriate initial surgical intervention for necrotising soft tissue infection to improve survival for these patients.

Published 7 December 2005 in Hernia, 9(4): 381-3.
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