Work

Intussusception of the mucocele of the appendix: a case report in a conflict-affected region

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Intussusception of an appendiceal mucocele is an extremely rare condition, reported in approximately 0.01 % of appendectomy cases. Its preoperative diagnosis remains very difficult due to nonspecific clinical and radiological findings. Surgical management with only an appendectomy is considered adequate when the appendiceal base is not involved. A 45-year-old female patient presented with recurrent episodes of lower abdominal pain lasting over two weeks, accompanied by decreased appetite and dysuria. The patient underwent an appendectomy, and the specimen was submitted for histopathological examination. Mucocele of the appendix as a cause of intussusception is uncommon; it usually presents with nonspecific abdominal or urinary symptoms but can be identified through sonography. The gold standard remains CT; however, due to the war situation in this case, diagnosis relies on sonographic features such as the onion-skin sign. Surgical intervention depends on tumour size; if a malignant tumour is suspected, a right hemicolectomy should be carried out for better margin control. Intussusception of the appendiceal mucocele is uncommon and presents considerable diagnostic difficulties, especially before surgery. These difficulties are especially evident in resource-limited settings, including conflict zones and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). • Intussusception of an appendiceal mucocele is very rare, and reported in approximately 0.01 % of appendectomy cases. • Intussusception of an appendiceal mucocele presents significant diagnostic challenges before surgery. • USS abdomen serves as a valuable diagnostic modality, particularly in resource-limited settings where CT is not available. • Meticulous intraoperative dissection is essential to minimise the risk of Pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Source: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.112081

Authors: Eltahir Ahmed Eltahir, Mohamed H. Ahmed

Institutions: Kampala International University, Al Fashir University

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090