[Appendicular mucocele. Review of the literature and presentation of 8 cases]

We reviewed the term mucocele, which some authors think should be abolished, although we do not share this opinion. We think it should be understood as no more than a descriptive term indicating dilation of the vermiform appendix by intraluminal accumulation of mucoid material, with no regard for its diverse etiology, which is the origin of the variety of terms and classifications of this condition encountered in the literature. We describe the clinical variety of this entity, emphasizing the exceptionality of its preoperative diagnosis before the introduction of modern techniques (US and CAT), which have permitted a growing number of exact diagnoses. The most appropriate technique for surgical treatment is discussed. The cases recently published in Spain are reviewed and we contribute 8 cases of our own.