Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for goblet-cell carcinoid of the appendix: report of a rare case and literature survey

Tumors of the appendix are rare entities, and the majority of them are discovered accidentally during an investigation for other conditions. Laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal goblet-cell carcinoid (GCC) has only been reported once before. Our patient was incidentally discovered to have an appendiceal tumor and was referred to us for laparoscopy. The tumor involved the body of the appendix and was adherent to the cecum. A laparoscopic hemicolectomy was successfully performed for the patient. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Histopathology confirmed an appendiceal goblet-cell carcinoid. Immunohistochemistry was negative for the neuroendocrine markers, CK20 and CK7. GCC is a rare tumor of the appendix. Hemicolectomy is indicated in specific situations, such as local involvement or tumor size >2 cm. In our patient, the tumor was adherent to the cecum and tumor size was 5 cm. Therefore, a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed primarily. There are several reports in the literature supporting both the laparoscopic and open approaches. Laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal tumors is safe, feasible, and even may be beneficial.