Clinicopathological Profile and Management of Right Iliac Fossa Mass: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Right iliac fossa (RIF) mass is a common surgical presentation with diverse etiologies, including inflammatory, infective, and neoplastic conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to optimize outcomes, especially in developing countries. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center. A total of 26 patients presenting with RIF mass were included. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and imaging studies. Management strategies were tailored according to the underlying diagnosis and clinical condition. Results: Appendicular pathology was the most common cause, accounting for 9 of 26 (34.6%) cases. Appendicular abscess was the second most common etiology, observed in 7 (26.9%) patients. Ileocecal tuberculosis constituted a significant proportion, observed in 6 (23.1%) patients, reflecting its continued prevalence in India. The majority of patients with appendicular lump and ileocecal tuberculosis were managed conservatively. Image-guided drainage was performed in selected cases of abscess, while surgical intervention was reserved for complicated cases and suspected malignancies. Conclusion: Appendicular pathology remains the leading cause of RIF mass. Conservative management is effective in most cases of appendicular lump and ileocecal tuberculosis, while image-guided drainage or surgical intervention is required in patients with abscess, recurrence, or complications. An early, etiology-based, individualized approach is essential for optimal outcomes.