Appendix stones (fecal stones): A cause of appendicitis?

My doctor says I have appendix stones and wants to remove them before they cause problems. What problems do appendix stones cause?

- Chris / Michigan

Answer

Although appendix stones are rare, they are a common cause of appendicitis, especially in older adults. An appendix stone is a hard piece of stool (fecal stone) that forms in the appendix. Typically, appendix stones cause no symptoms. But sometimes they obstruct the opening between the appendix and the intestine and cause inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis).

Appendix stones often go undetected until they cause appendicitis and the diseased appendix is removed and examined. Occasionally, appendix stones are detected on a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen or a barium colon X-ray done for some other reason. If you have appendix stones, treatment may include surgical removal of both the stones and the appendix due to the increased risk of appendicitis.

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