[Mucocele of the vermiform appendix]. / Mucocele del apéndice vermiforme.

BACKGROUND: Mucocele is a cystic dilatation of the vermiform appendix that contains mucous material. It may be caused by benign or malignant diseases. AIM: To report and discuss four cases with mucocele. REPORT OF CASES: The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain and changes in the bowel habits. In two cases, appendiceal mucocele was an incidental finding in the diagnostic work-up or operation for acute diverticulitis and acute cholecystitis, respectively. The diagnostic approach included barium enema and CT scan of the abdomen. In three cases, the mucocele was secondary to mucinous cystadenoma; two of them had a preoperative diagnosis of mucocele and underwent colonic preparation and right hemicolectomy, one patient underwent appendectomy alone. The remaining case underwent appendectomy alone, was found to have mucinous adenocarcinoma, and underwent a right hemicolectomy in a second operation. Postoperative outcome was adequate in all cases. CONCLUSION: Mucocele of the vermiform appendix is a rare disease. An appendectomy is an adequate treatment for benign disease. If malignant disease is demonstrated, a right hemicolectomy should be performed.