Pseudomyxoma peritonei presenting as irreducible epigastric hernia

Abstract

Abdominal wall hernia is a common and usually straightforward pathology presenting in surgery clinics. On occasion, the surgeon is faced with unexpected findings requiring difficult intraoperative decision. We present a case of pseudomyxoma peritonei incidentally found during surgery for epigastric hernia. The patient complained of a long lasting epigastric hernia with recent onset pain and growth. Surgery was limited to laparoscopic incisional biopsy of mucinous peritoneal deposit, confirming the diagnosis and suggesting an appendiceal origin. The patient was subsequently referred to a specialized peritoneal cancer unit for definitive treatment which consisted of cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, which can be compromised by previous organ resection. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion before unusual clinical courses of common pathology.