The role of appendectomy for mucinous ovarian neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: To determine how frequently the appendix harbors pathology in women having surgery for mucinous neoplasms of the ovary and assess the associated morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of patients operated on at our institution with the diagnosis of a mucinous neoplasm of the ovary or appendix. RESULTS: A total of 327 cases were identified. Of the 309 women with mucinous ovarian neoplasms, 197 (64%) were benign, 68 (22%) low malignancy potential, and 44 (14%) were invasive. Of 155 appendectomies performed, only 1 metastatic low grade mucinous appendiceal tumor was found, but this appendix was grossly abnormal. There was no association between wound complications and appendectomy. CONCLUSION: When a grossly normal appendix is removed during surgery for a mucinous ovarian neoplasm without evidence of pseudomyxoma peritonei, no primary or metastatic mucinous appendiceal tumors are found.