Torsion of the epiploic appendix: An unusual cause of acute abdomen

SUMMARY: Torsion of an epiploic appendix is a rare surgical entity. We present our experience in a thirty five year old female patient and a forty year old male patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 35 year old lady had presented with right iliac fossa pain of 2 days duration. Guarding and rebound tenderness was present over the area. Investigations showed mild leucocytosis and neutrophilia. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an inflamed epiploic appendix which was excised. Other intrabdominal organs were normal. A 40 year old male patient had presented with a history of recurrent, colicky, and paroxysmal right lower quadrant pain for 2 months. At laparoscopy, an inflamed torted epiploic appendix of the ascending colon was detected and excised. Other intrabdominal organs were normal. RESULTS: Both the patients had an uneventful recovery and are asymptomatic at follow up of 10 and 7 months respectively. They have been followed up at 7 days, 4 wks and then 3 monthly. DISCUSSION: The clinical presentation of an inflamed appendices epiploicae may be confusing. CT is helpful in disgnosis. Laparoscopy may be used to diagnose and treat the condition as well. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic laparoscopy is an useful tool for surgeons in assessing abdominal pain where the cause is elusive. It may be used to diagnose and treat torsion of an epiploic appendix effectively.