Appendiceal intussusception to the cecum caused by mucocele of the appendix: Laparoscopic approach

INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal intussusception is a very rare disease that is found in only 0.01% of patients who have undergone an appendectomy. Clinical symptoms vary and some patients are asymptomatic. Laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal tumors is still controversial. We present a case of intussusception of the appendix with a mucinous cystadenoma treated by laparoscopic surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of 47 year-old-women patient who presented with a six month history of intermittent right lower abdominal pain. Abdominal computer tomography CT showed appendiceal mass with intussusception. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed because the tumor involved the entire appendix. Histopathological examination revealed mucocele due to mucinous cystadenoma of appendix. DISCUSSION: Appendiceal intussusception to the cecum caused by mucocele of the appendix is extremely rare. It is very difficult to diagnose the presence of an intussuscepted appendix pre-operatively and investigations will usually include colonoscopy and CT scan. An appendicular intussusception should not be reduced by colonoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal tumors is still controversial; the main concerns to be addressed are the adequacy of resection and intraperitoneal rupture of the tumor. Our patient successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery without any complications. CONCLUSION: Appendiceal intussusception to the cecum caused by mucocele of the appendix is a rare cause of abdominal pain and difficult to diagnose. The laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal tumors is safe, feasible, and even may be beneficial. (C) 2012 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.