Clinicopathological analysis of patients operated for appendiceal mucocele

The term mucocele refers to the dilatation of the appendix due to mucus, and it is an uncommon disorder with an estimated incidence of 0.2%-0.3% of all appendectomies performed and 8%-10% of all appendiceal tumors. It is often asymptomatic, but may manifest appendicitis-like symptoms.

Twenty-six patients (14 females and 12 males) were operated on due to mucocele of the appendix. Sixteen patients exhibiting the characteristics of clinically acute appendicitis required an emergency operation. Appendectomy was performed on 14 patients, and right hemicolectomy was carried out on 2 patients. Of the remaining 10 patients who received surgery under elective conditions, 4 underwent a right hemicolectomy and 6 underwent an appendectomy.

The patients' age ranged from 27 to 81 years. Sixteen open and 4 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed. An incidental appendiceal mucocele was identified in 2 patients who had undergone colonoscopy. According to the histopathological examination, the incidence rate of mucosal hyperplasia, mucinous cystadenoma, and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was found to be 23.1%, 61.4%, and 15.5%, respectively.

In patients with long-term pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, appendiceal mucocele should be considered, and the results of radiological imaging tests should be carefully analyzed before surgery.