Topographic presentation of theAppendix in 100 cases

Abstract

Introduction: The term vermiform appendix comes from the Latin vermis which means worm-shaped. The appendix is a muscular cylindrical canal of reduced lumen with the presence of lymphoid tissue, usually 3 to 20 cm in length. It projects itself from the posteromedial face of the cecum, 2.5 cm inferior to the ileocecal junction, although this is prone to vary. We aim to identify the anatomical presentations of the vermiform appendix in cases of necropsies according to gender. Material and Methods: One-hundred random cases of necropsies were included in this work. The appendix was identified in situ and classified according to the implantation of its base at the cecum and the position of its tip. The findings were classified according to official nomenclature, with 50 female cadavers and 50 male cadavers. Results: The most frequent anatomic position was retrocecal for both genders, representing 49%, followed by pelvic position with 27% and subcecal with 21%. Post-ileal and paracecal positions were not found. For the female sample the appendix was retrocecal in 24%, pelvic in 16% and subcecal in 8% of cases. For the female sample the appendix was retrocecal in 25%, subcecal in 13% and pelvic in 11% of cases. Conclusions: As such, the anatomic-topographic presentation with the most frequency was retrocecal for both genders. Comparatively, the male sample had a higher prevalence of the subcecal presentation of the appendix.