Intussusception of the vermiform appendix caused by mucinous tumor of the appendix: Case report

Intussusception of the appendix occurs when part of the appendix passes the part next to it or the whole appendix to the cecum. It is classified as primary or secondary, or can be classified to partial or complete. Most cases are secondary and partial. Patients usually presents with right lower abdominal pain and most cases are diagnosed during surgery.

A 27-year-old female presented with right iliac fossa pain and nausea for 2 days. Abdominal examination showed tenderness, guarding, and rebound tenderness at the right iliac fossa. The WBC count was 11,000 c/mm and the urinalysis was normal. At surgery, there was intussusception of the vermiform appendix in its middle part with palpable mass attached to its wall. Appendicectomy was performed successfully. The result of the histopathology was consistent with mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix with no evidence of malignancy.

Surgery is the main form of treatment as most of the cases are diagnosed during surgery, the operation type may include appendicectomy or more extensive surgery is required such as right hemicolectomy depending on the cause. Surgery can be performed laparoscopically. Trials of colonoscopic reduction are not recommended.