CT-guided Kopans hookwire placement for preoperative localization of an appendicolith

OBJECTIVE. Retained appendicoliths that have spilled into the peritoneal cavity after appendectomy may act as a nidus for recurrent abscess. Appendicoliths are often small and located in inaccessible recesses of the peritoneum, making surgical localization and removal difficult. The objective of the study was to facilitate surgical removal of an appendicolith using a Kopans breast localization hookwire placed with CT guidance. CONCLUSION. Preoperative CT-guided localization of small inaccessible retained appendicoliths can be readily performed using a Kopans hookwire.