Laparoscopic Appendectomy in a Female Patient With Situs Inversus: Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Situs inversus is an uncommon condition caused by a single autosomal recessive gene of incomplete penetration. A potential diagnostic dilemma can occur in the young female patient with a history of situs inversus who presents with pelvic pain. METHODS: A 32-year-old multiparous patient with a known history of situs inversus presented with complaints of pelvic pain. A medical history and full physical examination were indicative of possible endometriosis. RESULTS: The patient underwent an operative laparoscopy, which revealed stage II pelvic endometriosis based on the American Fertility Society Revised Classification for Endometriosis (R-AFS), with appendicular and periappendicular adhesions involving the cecum. Ablation of endometriosis and an appendectomy were performed. CONCLUSION: The authors believe the laparoscopic approach to an appendectomy is ideal in a patient with situs inversus and should be performed at the time of laparoscopy performed for another reason.