A neuroendocrine tumor in a macroscopically unchanged appendix

Abstract

IntroductionThe intraoperative failure to find a macroscopically visible pathological condition within the appendix or other abnormalities of abdominal organs that could explain clinical symptoms in patients eligible for appendectomy does not prejudge the absence of underlying disease in an apparently healthy appendix.AimThe aim of the study is to highlight the problem of possible hidden pathological conditions in a macroscopically unchanged appendix in patients scheduled for appendectomy.Case studyIn this article, we present a case of female patient who was qualified to laparoscopic appendectomy due to symptoms of acute appendicitis. Although intra-operatively appendix did not show any pathological signs, histopathological examination revealed neuroendocrine tumor in the organ.Results and discussionThis publication describes a case of the removal of a macroscopically unchanged appendix in a patient with clinical and laboratory signs of acute appendicitis. A neuroendocrine neoplasm was histopathologically revealed in the removed appendix. The correct eligibility for appendectomy can present great difficulties even for experienced surgeons. Failure to identify visible abnormalities in the appendix after ruling out other possible causes of clinical symptoms does not prejudge the absence of pathological conditions in this organ.ConclusionsThis clinical case shows that the removal of a morphologically normal appendix in a patient eligible for appendectomy, in the absence of other intra-abdominal pathological conditions explaining the clinical signs, is not necessarily a mistake.