Laparoscopic resection of mucinous cystadenoma of appendix: a careful decision

Appendiceal mucoceles are mainly due to cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. Definite diagnosis is difficult preoperatively and is usually peroperatively. Surgical excision, either by laparoscopy or by laparotomy, is the mainstay of treatment. Rupture of the lesion causes pseudomyxoma peritonei. We present a case to highlight this point and especially deplore the use of laparoscopy if the tumor clearly extends beyond the appendix.