[Mucocele of the vermiform appendix]

Mucocele is a cystic dilatation of the vermiform appendix that contains mucous material. It may be caused by benign or malignant diseases.

To report and discuss four cases with mucocele.

The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain and changes in the bowel habits. In two cases, appendiceal mucocele was an incidental finding in the diagnostic work-up or operation for acute diverticulitis and acute cholecystitis, respectively. The diagnostic approach included barium enema and CT scan of the abdomen. In three cases, the mucocele was secondary to mucinous cystadenoma; two of them had a preoperative diagnosis of mucocele and underwent colonic preparation and right hemicolectomy, one patient underwent appendectomy alone. The remaining case underwent appendectomy alone, was found to have mucinous adenocarcinoma, and underwent a right hemicolectomy in a second operation. Postoperative outcome was adequate in all cases.

Mucocele of the vermiform appendix is a rare disease. An appendectomy is an adequate treatment for benign disease. If malignant disease is demonstrated, a right hemicolectomy should be performed.