Morphological and Morphometric Variations of the Vermiform Appendix: A Cadaveric Study of 50 Specimens
Anitha Venkateswaran, Ponn Raj Thangaswamy, Praveen SathyamoorthiIntroduction:
To determine the morphological and morphometrical variations of the vermiform appendix. To determine the position, length, diameter, and distance of the vermiform appendix from the ileocecal orifice.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted in 50 formalin-fixed large intestine specimens for a period of 3 years. The position of the appendix was visualized, and the length and diameter were measured using a string and a vernier caliper. The distance from the ileocecal orifice to the base of the vermiform appendix was measured with a ruler and a string, and the findings were documented.
Results:
The average length of the appendix was 55.4 ± 19.1 mm. The average diameter of the appendix was 10.24 ± 7.01 mm. The average distance between the base of the appendix and the ileocecal orifice was 24.05 ± 5.3 mm. The commonest position of the appendix was retrocecal (56%).
Conclusion:
The anatomical variation in the position of the appendix, length, and diameter of the appendix is important for accurate diagnosis in the clinical field. The distance of the base of the vermiform appendix from the ileocecal orifice will be useful for the surgeon in the early management of appendicitis and preventing early perforation.