Left-Sided Laparoscopic Appendectomy in a Pediatric Patient With Situs Inversus Totalis

Acute appendicitis classically presents as periumbilical pain that migrates to the right lower quadrant. Rarely, left-sided appendicitis can occur, but it is not commonly considered in the differential of left lower quadrant pain. This report intends to raise awareness of left-sided appendicitis, in this case, due to situs inversus totalis, and to emphasize the need to perform a thorough patient evaluation. Here, we discuss the case of a 10-year-old male with known situs inversus totalis and primary ciliary dyskinesia (suspected Kartagener’s syndrome) who presented to the emergency room with a one-day history of left lower quadrant pain and associated nausea and vomiting. His white blood cell (WBC) count was elevated, and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed acute tip appendicitis in the left lower quadrant. The surgeon performed a laparoscopic appendectomy with modifications. The patient tolerated the procedure well but experienced difficulty weaning off oxygen postoperatively. An airway management plan was initiated, which allowed for the discontinuation of oxygen. The patient was discharged on postoperative day two and was seen in the clinic approximately two weeks later with no postoperative complications. Pathology confirmed acute suppurative appendicitis.