Anatomical variations and microstructural changes in vermiform appendix – a study based on patients of clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis, undergoing appendicectomy, at tertiary care hospital in West Bengal

Background: One of the most intriguing questions about human vestiges revolves around the utility of vermiform appendix. Studies have been conducted worldwide since ages immemorial. Reiterating the validation of such works has been the focus of this study. Objectives: The present study aims at determining the variations of vermiform appendix in terms of its gross location (position), length and microscopic inflammatory changes (acute or chronic) with age and gender related changes, if any. Methods and Material: 100 patients (33 males and 67 females) undergoing appendicectomy for clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis (following proper inclusion and exclusion criteria) were selected and grouped according to their age. Per-operative assessment of the length and gross position of vermiform appendix was done for individual subject. The cut specimen from each patient was then studied under the microscope for inflammatory changes (acute or chronic). The data were analysed statistically. Results: Mean length of appendix in males and females were 5.10 cm and 4.99 cm respectively. Males between 31 - 40 years of age showed maximum mean length of appendix as compared to females between 11 - 20 years (5.28 cm and 5.32 cm respectively). Retrocaecal position was found to be the most common location of appendix, irrespective of age or gender. However, the mean length of appendix was maximum among pre-ileal variety (5.43 cm). Acute inflammatory changes were more common in females than males and as well as overall findings of removed appendices. Conclusions: Retrocaecal acute appendicitis are more common in females and progressive diminution in its size has been recorded as compared to past studies.