Appendiceal Stump Bleeding That was Treated by Endoscopic Hemoclipping

Appendiceal stump bleeding is a rare, but occasionally life-threatening complication. Significant lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage from an ulcerated appendiceal stump may occur after uncomplicated appendectomy. The common management includes ligation of the bleeding vessel or cecal resection by either emergency laparotomy or laparoscopy. Angiographic embolization of the bleeding vessel is an alternative therapeutic option. We report here on a case of gastrointestinal hemorrhage from an appendiceal stump, and this occurred six days after appendectomy. The bleeding was controlled endoscopically by placing hemoclips on the distinct vessel. The patient recovered thereafter without further intervention. Endoscopic hemoclipping is an effective and safe procedure, and it can replace emergency laparotomy, laparoscopy or angiographic embolization for treating appendiceal stump bleeding. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2007;34:108-110)