Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypermobile Cecum Mimicking Acute Appendicitis

A hypermobile cecum is a rare anomaly where incomplete fixation to the body wall causes increased mobility of the cecum and ascending colon. This condition can be asymptomatic or present with vague symptoms that can mimic other acute surgical conditions. This is a case report of a 34-year-old female patient, who presented to the emergency department with clinical symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis like right iliac fossa pain, vomiting and nausea. After an inconclusive ultrasound, a CT scan was performed, which revealed a hypermobile cecum with volvulus. An emergency laparoscopy was performed, during which both a successful cecopexy and appendectomy were carried out. The patient recovered well post-operatively and was discharged on the fourth post-operative day. This case highlights the need for radiological imaging and the diagnostic difficulty caused by a hypermobile cecum, since it can resemble other common acute surgical situations. CT imaging is critical for precise diagnosis, and early surgical intervention is key to preventing complications such as perforation. Awareness of this condition is important for clinicians managing patients with unexplained right lower quadrant pain.