Cholangioscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy for occult chronic appendicitis

In recent years, endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) has been widely used in the treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis, especially with the assistance of cholangioscopy [1] [2]; however, the diagnosis and treatment of chronic appendicitis has always been a challenge. Chronic appendicitis is often overlooked owing to atypical symptoms and unclear imaging changes [3]. We report a case of recurrent unexplained lower right abdominal pain. Through cholangioscope-assisted ERAT, the patient was diagnosed as having chronic appendicitis with a pinhole-like stenosis and suppuration, adequate drainage was performed, and the abdominal pain was completely relieved.