Prevalence of Appendiceal Lesions in Appendicectomies Performed During Surgery for Mucinous Ovarian Tumors: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of appendiceal pathology in women undergoing surgery for mucinous ovarian neoplasm and to evaluate whether appendicectomy is necessary.

METHODS: This single-institution retrospective study reviewed prevalence of appendiceal lesions in all patients operated on at our institution from 2002 to 2013 with the final diagnosis of mucinous tumor of the ovary. Clinicopathological data were analyzed.

RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three cases were identified. These included 45 (37%) benign mucinous ovarian neoplasms, 63 (51%) borderline, and 11 (9%) invasive mucinous ovarian tumors. In addition, 4 (3%) cases of metastatic tumors to the ovary were also identified. Appendiceal pathology was found in association with all types of mucinous ovarian tumors (benign, borderline, and malignant). In 24% of cases, appendix was macroscopically abnormal at the time of the surgery, prompting the surgical removal. Regardless of the gross findings, microscopic abnormality in the appendix was seen in 24% of all cases. The prevalence of significant occult microscopic appendiceal pathology, that is, when the appendix was grossly normal, was 6%.

CONCLUSIONS: Given the prevalence of coexisting appendiceal pathology found in this study and the reported low rates of complications associated with the procedure, an appendicectomy is recommended in the management of all mucinous ovarian neoplasms.