A successful laparoscopic appendectomy for an adult male patient with osteogenesis imperfecta

Abstract

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic connective tissue disease defined by the loss of bone mass and density, which makes the bones more brittle and more likely to fracture over time. Bone deformity and articular instability are the subsequent symptoms. Case report: This 25-year-old man had malformed lower limbs and trouble walking due to OI and dwarfism. He arrived complaining of fever, nausea, vomiting and diffuse peri-umbilical pain. During ultrasonography a blinded, oedematous lobe formation containing an appendicolith was discovered. Acute suppurative appendicitis was diagnosed, necessitating a laparoscopic appendectomy. Because the patient had previously undergone general anaesthesia, anaesthesia was thought to be attainable. Pneumoperitoneum and a 10 mm optical port inserted into the umbilicus were used in the surgical procedure. A diagnostic laparoscopy revealed faecolith obstruction and an acute suppurative appendicitis. After an hour, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed effectively with little blood loss. Without experiencing any difficulties because of the surgery position, the patient was discharged. Conclusion: We present a case of an OI dwarf patient with acute suppurative appendicitis. It highlights the possibility of performing laparoscopic surgery in general and a laparoscopic appendectomy in particular on OI patients.

Keywords

• osteogenesis imperfecta
• laparoscopic surgery
• laparoscopic appendectomy
• perioperative difficulties