Pre-operative Identification and Surgical Management of the Appendiceal Mucocele: A Case Report.

An appendiceal mucocele (AM) is an uncommon differential in the patient being evaluated for acute appendicitis. Although often asymptomatic, AMs can clinically mimic acute appendicitis, and preoperative distinction between these processes facilitates optimal management. We report the case of a 60-year-old male with an AM presenting with nausea and periumbilical pain radiating to the right lower quadrant. Literature relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of AMs is reviewed, with emphasis on diagnosis through radiographic imaging and surgical management. Abdominal CT scan or ultrasound are useful in identifying AMs preoperatively. A decision to perform a right hemicolectomy should be influenced by the criteria reported by Gonzalez-Moreno. The safety of the laparoscopic resection relative to an open appendectomy is debated.