Case Report
Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 28, 2007; 13(16): 2381-2384
Published online Apr 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i16.2381
Appendiceal mucocoeles and pseudomyxoma peritonei
Anupam Dixit, John HP Robertson, Satvinder S Mudan, Charles Akle
Anupam Dixit, John HP Robertson, Satvinder S Mudan, Charles Akle, Colorectal Department, Third Floor, the London Clinic, London W1G 6BW, United Kingdom
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Anupam Dixit, RMO, The London Clinic, 20 Devonshire Place, London W1G 6BW,United Kingdom. dixitanupam@hotmail.com
Received: November 28, 2006
Revised: December 20, 2006
Accepted: January 25, 2007
Published online: April 28, 2007
Abstract

Mucocoele of the appendix occurs when obstruction of the appendiceal lumen results in mucus accumulation and consequent abnormal dilatation. The most impor-tant aetiology, from a surgical perspective, is either mucinous cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. In the latter, a spontaneous or iatrogenic rupture of the mucocoele can lead to mucinous intraperitoneal ascites, a syndrome known as pseudomyxoma peritonei. Optimal management of mucoceles is achieved through accurate preoperative identification and subsequent careful resection. We report two cases and subsequently discuss the clinical presentation of mucocoeles, their association with pseudomyxoma peritonei and an optimal management of both conditions.

Keywords: Appendix, Mucocele, Pseudomyxoma peritonei, Surgical treatment