Laparoscopic resection of an incidental appendiceal mucocele: is it correct. Case report

Mucocele of the appendix is an uncommon disorder, characterized by a cystic dilatation of the lumen; it's mainly due to mucinous cystadenoma. Definite diagnosis is difficult preoperatively. It can be discovered incidentally at laparotomy or laparoscopy performed for other reason. Treatment consist in complete resection avoiding rupture of the cyst in the peritoneal cavity. Indeed, rupture of the lesion either spontaneous or accidental, during surgery may result in the clinical condition of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Therefore, open approach is recommended for the surgical treatment of these lesions. The role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of appendiceal mucocele remains controversial. We report a case of mucous cystadenoma of the appendix, successfully removed during a laparoscopy for perforated peptic ulcer, which was well at a 12-month follow-up. Laparoscopic appendectomy is not contraindicated in mucocele of appendix, if appropriate precautions can be taken intraoperatively.