Incidental Appendiceal Carcinoids: Is Surgery Affecting Their Incidence?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• The incidence of appendiceal carcinoids lacks consistent reporting.
• The impact of appendectomy volume on carcinoid incidence is debated.
• This study investigates appendiceal carcinoid incidence and characteristics in patients with suspected acute appendicitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine the incidence and clinico-pathological profile of appendiceal carcinoids.
• Examine the influence of appendectomy trends on carcinoid incidence.
• Analyze appendiceal carcinoid prevalence in a specific patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 506 patients undergoing emergency appendectomy for acute appendicitis (March 2007 - April 2011).
• Patients divided into two groups to assess time trends in carcinoid incidence.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS 14.0.

Main Results:

• Appendiceal carcinoids were identified in 8 patients (1.6%).
• The median age of affected patients was 23 years; 7/8 were female.
• No significant difference in incidence was observed between the two study periods (P < 0.12).

Conclusions:

• Appendiceal carcinoids are found in 1.6% of emergency appendectomies for acute appendicitis.
• These tumors predominantly affect young females and favor the appendix tip.
• Increased appendectomy rates do not correlate with a rise in appendiceal carcinoid incidence.