Appendiceal mucocele

Abstract

Although rare, appendiceal mucoceles are still occasionally encountered during routine appendectomies, often performed by acute care general surgeons, and familiarity with the proper treatment guidelines is imperative to achieve improved patient outcomes. This chapter briefly outlines the epidemiology and pathophysiology of mucoceles as well as the diagnosis and risks of rupture which decreases 5-year survival rates from 91 to 50%. The intraoperative characteristics of pseudomyxoma peritonei are also described. Furthermore, the management of appendiceal mucoceles and possible complications are discussed in addition to surgical procedures including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.