Intraoperative Incidental Discovery of Pinworms in Paediatric Appendectomy: A Case Report

Abstract

One of the most common surgical emergencies worldwide is acute appendicitis. The inflammation of the appendix typically results from luminal obstruction, with faecoliths being the most prevalent cause. However, other aetiologies, such as parasitic infections, tumours, foreign bodies and lymphoid hyperplasia, can also lead to appendicitis. Enterobius vermicularis, frequently referred to as pinworm, is one of the most commonly encountered parasites associated with appendiceal inflammation. The following case report presents a case of acute appendicitis in an eight-year-old boy who experienced pain in the Right Illiac Fossa (RIF). This condition was managed by a laparoscopic appendectomy, during which the presence of pinworms was incidentally discovered intraoperatively and later confirmed by histopathology. This case emphasises the need to include parasitic infections in the diagnostic evaluation of children presenting with acute abdominal pain. The incidental discovery of pinworms during surgery underscores the necessity for thorough intraoperative evaluation and appropriate management to prevent complications.

Keywords

• acute appendicitis
• enterobiasis
• enterobius vermicularis
• laparoscopic appendectomy
• parasitic infections