Appendicitis Band Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Appendicitis band syndrome (ABS) is difficult to diagnose preoperatively due to nonspecific clinical and radiological findings. Most cases are identified during laparotomy performed for presumed small bowel obstruction. Management ranges from simple appendectomy to extensive bowel resection, depending on the viability of the involved segments. Imaging, particularly CT, may show indirect signs such as transition points, but confirmation often requires surgical exploration. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman with no prior medical history, who presented with a two-day obstipation. The CT scan showed bowel obstruction secondary to a terminal ileum stenosis. We performed a laparoscopic exploration during which we found a portion of the small bowel had herniated through a loop formed by an inflamed appendix, and a laparoscopic appendicectomy was successfully performed. The patient showed no complications in the two-week and one-month follow-ups. Given its diagnostic difficulty and potentially severe complications, ABS should be considered in all cases of small bowel obstruction of unknown origin, particularly in patients with no history of prior abdominal surgery. Prompt surgical intervention is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality. Tailoring the surgical approach, laparoscopic or open, based on clinical context, remains essential for optimal outcomes.