ACUTE APPENDICITIS ASSOCIATED WITH INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION DUE TO ASCARIASIS IN A CHILD: A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Ascariasis is a common helminthic infection in developing countries, especially among children. Although often benign, it may occasionally lead to severe complications such as intestinal obstruction and acute appendicitis. We report an unusual case of a child presenting with both conditions due to massive intestinal infestation by Ascaris lumbricoides. Case Report: A 15-year-old boy was admitted with right iliac fossa pain, cessation of stool and gas, and persistent vomiting, during which he expelled an adult Ascaris worm. Physical examination revealed localized guarding in the right iliac fossa. Routine laboratory investigations were unremarkable. Emergency surgical exploration revealed intestinal obstruction caused by more than 50 Ascaris worms in the small intestine, as well as acute appendicitis due to luminal obstruction by a large worm. Surgical removal of the worms, appendectomy, and peritoneal lavage were performed, followed by antihelminthic and antibiotic therapy. The postoperative course was favorable, with complete recovery and no recurrence after one year of follow-up.