Retrospective cohort study of hemicolectomy versus appendectomy for appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors 1-2 cm in size

A retrospective study at 40 centers in 15 European countries compared appendectomy only versus appendectomy with right-sided hemicolectomy for appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor 1-2 cm in size. Appendiceal NETs were classified as possible or probable primary tumor of distant peritoneal metastases in 1% of patients and of distant liver metastases also in 1% of patients. These metastases were diagnosed synchronously with no tumor-related deaths during follow-up. Overall survival was similar between the two groups. The authors conclude that right-sided hemicolectomy is not indicated after complete resection of appendiceal NETs of 1-2 cm in size by appendectomy.