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The following is a summary of “A scoping review of postoperative surveillance strategies for localized, low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms,” published in the January 2025 issue of Surgery by Oravec et al.

The optimal surveillance protocols for localized, low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) following surgical resection remain underexplored, with limited data guiding clinical practice. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to identify postoperative surveillance strategies for LAMNs, focusing on recurrence rates and disease-free survival outcomes.

Researchers developed a comprehensive search strategy, applying it to four major literature databases to identify relevant studies. Screening of the retrieved citations was conducted in duplicate through three stages: title, abstract, and full-text review. Data extraction from the selected articles was followed by descriptive statistical analysis.

The review included 16 studies encompassing 1,218 patients with LAMNs. Surveillance duration varied widely, ranging from 0.1 to 294 months, with a mode interval of three months between follow-ups. The most prevalent method of surveillance was imaging, utilized in 610 patients (48.7%). Disease recurrence was observed in 31 patients (2.7%), with the time to recurrence spanning from 2.5 to 68 months. The five-year survival rates reported across five studies ranged from 93.5% to 95.2%.

In the absence of robust evidence supporting a significant survival benefit from postoperative surveillance for localized LAMNs, patient-centered decision-making is recommended. Tailored surveillance strategies should consider individual patient circumstances, preferences, and clinical judgment to optimize care.

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002961025000248