344 Managing Clinical Rarities: A Unique Case of Non-Inflamed Appendix in A Port Site Hernia

Introduction Port site hernias containing the appendix are sporadically described in the literature, with most cases presenting with acute appendicitis. Cases of a normal appendix being found in such hernias are extremely rare and rarely published. Here we describe a patient with a port site hernia containing a non-inflamed appendix. The lack of similar recorded cases makes this a unique case to highlight and discuss. Case Description 81-year-old lady, with adenocarcinoma of the upper rectum, underwent a laparoscopic high anterior resection in late 2018. With 12 mm ports placed in Umbilicus and RIF. 5mm ports placed in RUQ and LUQ. The 12 mm ports were closed with deep suture closure and the skin was closed using clips. Computerised tomography (CT) imaging at one year showed local cancer recurrence and a small abdominal wall hernia in the right iliac fossa. During subsequent resection surgery, a RIF port site hernia was identified intraoperatively. The hernia sac consisted of an uninflamed appendix. The hernia was reduced and an appendicectomy was performed with the hernia being closed with interrupted suture closure. Histology of the appendix confirmed no evidence of inflammation. Discussion When a clinical rarity is encountered there is often minimal literature to guide management and decisions must be made based on surgical principles and clinical reasoning. Although here an appendicectomy was performed, resection of a normal appendix remains a contentious point in the surgical field. This case demonstrates a potential management option to guide surgeons who encounter this clinical rarity in their future practice.