Cholangioscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy for the treatment of appendicitis complicated with fecal stones: a case report

Acute appendicitis typically occurs when the opening of the appendix is blocked, most commonly by an impacted fecalith [1]. Surgical interventions for acute appendicitis often come with the drawbacks of increased postoperative complications and a high rate of removing the healthy appendix [2]. In 2012, a minimally invasive technique known as endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) was proposed. This method involves flushing out fecal stones and eliminating the blockage through the natural passage [3]. However, ERAT relies on X-ray and involves a complex procedure [4]. Drawing inspiration from the successful application of ultraslim endoscopes in treating complex bile duct stones, we incorporated a 9-Fr cholangioscope to assist with ERAT in managing appendicitis complicated with fecal stones. In this report, we present a case wherein this innovative approach was used.