Can fecal stones in the appendix be removed during a colonoscopy?
Sep 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, appendicoliths can be removed via colonoscopy. Specifically, while it is technically possible to remove an appendicolith using colonoscopy, the success rate is very low, and there is a risk of appendix perforation. Therefore, this approach is not recommended. Instead, patients may undergo open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy.
Under normal circumstances, appendicoliths can generally be removed via colonoscopy. The details are as follows:
An appendicolith refers to a solid mass formed within the appendix, typically composed of food residue, fecal matter, and mucus from the bowel movements. These stones may block the narrow lumen of the appendix, leading to infection and inflammation, thereby causing appendicitis. Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine diseases within the lower gastrointestinal tract. During colonoscopy, swelling and exudate around the appendiceal orifice can be observed, and the fecal stone inside the appendiceal cavity may also be visible. The specific method for removing an appendicolith under colonoscopy involves adjusting the scope's angle to access the opening, using instruments to extract the stones sequentially, irrigating the appendiceal cavity, and adequately reducing intraluminal pressure to facilitate resolution of inflammation. Therefore, appendicoliths can generally be removed via colonoscopy.
It should be noted, however, that although colonoscopic removal of appendicoliths is technically possible, the success rate is low, and there is a risk of appendix perforation. This approach is not recommended. Instead, patients should undergo open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy under the guidance of a physician.
