Incidental appendiceal mucocele discovery: A case series and literature review
Abstract
Introduction Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) are rare entities that can present significant challenges when discovered incidentally by general surgeons during surgery or through postoperative pathology. These lesions may mimic common abdominal conditions and are often not suspected preoperatively. Methods We present a case series of five patients in whom appendiceal mucoceles were incidentally identified either intraoperatively or on postoperative pathological examination. The patients ranged from 36 to 79 years old and presented with symptoms such as right lower quadrant pain, initially attributed to appendicitis, ovarian torsion, or other gynecological conditions. Intraoperative findings varied from dilated appendices with mucinous content to large cystic masses involving adjacent structures. Results In each case, the general surgeon had to make immediate decisions regarding management. Surgical interventions included laparoscopic appendectomy and open right hemicolectomy, with an emphasis on careful handling to prevent rupture and spillage of mucin. Postoperative pathology confirmed LAMNs, with tumor stages ranging from pTis to pT4a. Some patients required additional procedures, such as cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), due to the presence of acellular mucin or peritoneal involvement. The discussion focuses on practical guidance for general surgeons when faced with an incidental appendiceal mucocele. Key…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
- A new aging measure captures morbidity and mortality risk across diverse subpopulations from NHANES IV: A cohort study
- Fruit, vegetable, and legume intake, and cardiovascular disease and deaths in 18 countries (PURE): a prospective cohort study
- Are noise and air pollution related to the incidence of dementia? A cohort study in London, England
- Long COVID symptoms and duration in SARS-CoV-2 positive children — a nationwide cohort study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.