Minimally invasive surgery for appendiceal intussusception caused by mucocele of the appendix: case report and review of the literature

Appendiceal intussusception caused by mucocele of the appendix is extremely rare. In the current study, a 32-year-old woman was admitted to the department of general surgery of our hospital, complaining of persistent right, lower quadrant pain without an obvious cause for 17 hours. Physical examination indicated significant pain and tenderness in the right, lower abdominal quadrant. Blood analysis indicated that leukocyte count, the percentage of neutrophils and the serum C-reactive protein were increased. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography revealed a well-encapsulated cystic mass surrounded by the caecum and intussusception. The appendiceal intussusception caused by mucocele of the appendix was revealed during the laparoscopic exploration. Appendectomy and partial cecectomy were conducted using the laparoscopic approach. Postoperative pathological examinations showed ileocecal intussusception and chronic inflammation, appendiceal mucocele and acute suppurative appendicitis. The patient showed satisfactory recovery that was observed during 15-months of follow-ups. This case highlights that laparoscopic appendectomy and partial cecectomy may be a beneficial, minimally invasive approach for appendiceal intussusception caused by mucocele of the appendix.