Pseudomyxoma peritonei - A case report

Objective: Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare complication after rupture of m ucinous tumors of the appendix, ovaries or colon. The condition tends to re cur despite aggressive surgical debulking and intraperitoneal chemotherapy and the prognosis is poor. Case Report: A 57-year-old woman presented with pseudomyxoma peritonei 8 mo nths after removal of a mucocele of the appendix. After multiple operations and intraperitoneal chemotherapy with mitoxantrone the patient died of cac hexia 6 years after the initial surgery. Conclusion: Mucinous tumors should be removed completely and intact to avoi d pseudomyxoma peritonei. The ovaries should be inspected in women with muc inous tumors of the appendix. Appendectomy appears indicated in patients wi th mucinous tumors of the ovary. Tumor reductive surgery and possibly intra peritoneal chemotherapy are the treatment of choice for patients with mucin ous tumors and deposits in the abdomen and pelvis.