Summary: Torsion of an epiploic appendix is a rare surgical entity. We
present our experience in a thirty five year old female patient and a
forty year old male patient. Materials and Methods: A 35 year old lady
had presented with right iliac fossa pain of 2 days duration. Guarding
and rebound tenderness was present over the area. Investigations showed
mild leucocytosis and neutrophilia. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an
inflamed epiploic appendix which was excised. Other intrabdominal
organs were normal. A 40 year old male patient had presented with a
history of recurrent, colicky, and paroxysmal right lower quadrant pain
for 2 months. At laparoscopy, an inflamed torted epiploic appendix of
the ascending colon was detected and excised. Other intrabdominal
organs were normal. Results: Both the patients had an uneventful
recovery and are asymptomatic at follow up of 10 and 7 months
respectively. They have been followed up at 7 days, 4 wks and then 3
monthly. Discussion: The clinical presentation of an inflamed
appendices epiploicae may be confusing. CT is helpful in disgnosis.
Laparoscopy may be used to diagnose and treat the condition as well.
Conclusion: Diagnostic laparoscopy is an useful tool for surgeons in
assessing abdominal pain where the cause is elusive. It may be used to
diagnose and treat torsion of an epiploic appendix effectively