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[Mucocele of the appendix: Presentation of 31 cases]

Arturo García Lozano1, Antonio Vázquez Tarrago, Carmen Castro García

  • 1Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Dr. Peset, Valencia, España.

Cirugia Espanola
|December 8, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mucocele of the appendix, a rare condition causing appendix dilation, can be benign or malignant. This study reviewed 31 cases, highlighting appendiceal mucocele diagnosis and management.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Oncology

Context:

  • Mucocele of the appendix is a rare condition, occurring in 0.2-0.3% of appendectomies.
  • It involves appendix dilation due to mucus, potentially stemming from benign or malignant processes like cystadenoma or adenocarcinoma.
  • Clinical presentation often mimics acute appendicitis, with right iliac fossa pain being the most frequent symptom.

Purpose:

  • To analyze a series of 31 appendiceal mucocele cases treated over 18 years.
  • To describe the clinical presentation, histological findings, and surgical management of appendiceal mucoceles.
  • To emphasize the importance of follow-up due to potential synchronous or metachronous tumors.

Summary:

  • A review of 31 cases (17 female, mean age 62) revealed appendiceal mucocele, with 45% presenting with acute right iliac fossa pain.
  • Histology confirmed benign etiology in 21 cases. Surgical interventions included appendectomy, laparoscopic procedures, cecal resection, and right ileocolectomy.
  • Malignancy was identified in 9 cases, including one cystadenocarcinoma, underscoring the need for thorough evaluation and management.

Impact:

  • Provides insights into the clinical and pathological spectrum of appendiceal mucocele.
  • Highlights surgical strategies for managing this uncommon condition.
  • Stresses the critical need for long-term surveillance for associated neoplastic processes.

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