Appendiceal neoplasms and histological involvement of the mesoappendix: A case series

Introduction Acute appendicitis is a common presentation to surgical departments, typically resulting in appendicectomy. Appendiceal tumours may not be visible intraoperatively, and are present in roughly 0.5–1% of specimens. Routine resection of the mesoappendix is not universally practiced, despite the mesoappendix being commonly involved in appendiceal tumours. This is a case series of the histological findings of 21 patients with appendiceal tumours, with consideration to tumour within the resected mesoappendix. Methods We reviewed the histology of 1344 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendicectomy over a 6-year period assessing for the presence of appendiceal tumours and resected mesoappendix. Results Twenty-one patients were found to have appendiceal tumours, with a mean maximum tumour dimension of 7.2 mm. Sixteen of these patients had simultaneous mesoappendix resection, of whom six (38%) were found to have direct or indirect tumour tissue within the mesoappendix. Conclusion Further evidence for routine removal of the mesoappendix, and the need for larger prospective studies to investigate for any survival benefit. We note the worrying trend of conservative management of acute appendicitis.
Highlights • The mesoappendix is a key site of appendiceal tumour spread, directly & indirectly. • Routine mesoappendix resection may reduce the need for reoperation. • Conservative management of appendicitis may delay diagnosis of appendiceal tumours.