Incidental appendiceal neoplasias: ten years' experience with 1,642 patients

Abstract

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. In this study, we investigated the rate of neoplasia among patients who underwent an appendectomy in our center, a large Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,642 cases of appendectomies performed between 2007 and 2017. In this study, the data included demographic data, operative and pathological findings, and additional procedures following the appendectomy. Results: Of the 1,642 appendectomies, 1,294 were laparoscopic, and 348 were open procedures. Appendiceal neoplasia was encountered in the examination of appendix specimens taken from 20 patients. Sessile serrated adenoma (SSRA) was found in seven patients, neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in six patients, low-grade mucinous neoplasia (LGMN) in four patients, mucinous cystadenoma (MCA) in two patients, and diffuse adenoma (DA) in one patient. Two patients underwent right hemicolectomy due to positive surgical margins from previous surgeries. Colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) control were performed on all neoplasia patients during the postoperative period, and no additional pathology was seen. Conclusions: Although the probability of neoplasia after appendectomy is low, it should be considered. Adenomas and neuroendocrine tumors seem to be the most common neoplasias that are incidentally encountered in appendectomy specimens.