Three Cases of Appendiceal Mucocele: From Diagnosis to Management

Abstract

Appendiceal mucocele is an appendicular dilatation secondary to the intraluminal accumulation of mucous material. Adequate pre-operative diagnosis and surgical resection remains the standard management. Here, we present three cases of appendiceal mucocele. In the first case, a 60-year-old female presented with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis and was admitted and operated. An inflamed distended globular cystic mass of appendix measuring 10 × 6 × 4 cm with a wide base was found and the patient underwent right hemicolectomy. In the second case, a 30-year-old male with symptoms and signs of acute appendicitis was admitted to the emergency department. An open surgery was performed and a distended, tense, and inflamed appendix without perforation of size 6 × 1 × 1 cm was discovered and removed. The diagnosis of mucocele appendix was suspected and confirmed by postoperative dissection of the specimen and histopathology. In the third case, a 25-year-old female patient was subjected to diagnostic laparoscopy in view of non-specific pain abdomen. A diagnosis of mucocele of appendix was made intraoperatively and removed using a specimen bag. Appendiceal mucocele with acute presentation is a rare pathology that clinically resembles acute appendicitis. Preoperative detailed investigations to reach a definitive diagnosis are critical for adequate surgical resection and overall outcome.

Keywords: Appendectomy; appendix; mucinous cystadenoma; mucocele; rare disease.