Incidental Neoplasm and Histopathological Spectrum of Suspected Acute Appendicitis in Appendectomy Specimen: An Observational Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency and histopathological studies are the gold standard for confirmation of clinical diagnosis and key methods of discovering appendiceal neoplasm. Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon and are mostly identified by pathologic examination after appendectomy for presumed appendicitis as an incidental finding.

Methods: An observational cross-section study was conducted at a Medical College from 1^st August 2022 to 31^st July 2024. Appendectomy specimens were included in the study after obtaining consent. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC-LMC 05/S-22). Descriptive analysis was done, frequency and proportion were calculated.

Results: Among 350 appendectomy cases, 30 (8.57%) cases had negative appendectomies. Out of total 320 patients, 183 (57.19%) were male and 137 (42.81%) were female. Histopathological findings suggestive of acute appendicitis were observed in 164 (51.25%) specimens and there were 6 (1.87%) specimens suggestive of neoplasms. Amongst the neoplasm of appendix 3 (0.94%) were carcinoid tumours.

Conclusions: Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon which was comparable to previous studies. Carcinoid tumour was the most common incidental neoplasm.