Chronic appendicitis with cavitation leading to recurrent small bowel obstruction

Acute abdomen is a common surgical emergency, with appendicitis being a well-recognized cause. Whilst acute appendicitis is common, chronic appendicitis leading to cavitation and recurrent episodes of subacute obstruction is rare. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with recurrent adhesive small bowel obstruction, secondary to chronic appendicitis with an appendiceal perforation forming a cavity involving the cecum and the terminal ileum. She underwent a laparoscopic converted to open right hemicolectomy, leading to a good recovery. This case emphasises the importance of considering atypical presentations of appendicitis in recurrent bowel obstruction.