Study of Morphological Variations of Vermiform Appendix and Caecum in Cadavers of Western Maharashtra Region

Abstract

Aim was to study morphological variations of vermiform appendix and caecum. 60 embalmed donated cadavers (30 male and 30 female) were dissected to study morphological variations of vermiform appendix and caecum in the department of Anatomy of Grant Government Medical College, Byculla, Mumbai, India. Position, length, outer girth of appendix, distance of appendix from ileocaecal junction, shape, length and width of caecum were studied. Sex differences and relation between shape of caecum and position of appendix were studied. Photographs were taken for proper documentation. Most common position of vermiform appendix was retrocaecal 56.67% then pelvic 25%, preileal 15% and postileal 3.33%. In males it was retrocaecal 23.33% then pelvic 15%, preileal 8.33% and postileal 3.33%. In females it was retrocaecal 33.33% then pelvic 10%, preileal 6.67%. Average length of appendix was 5.93 cm. In males it was 6.30 cm and in females it was 5.55 cm. Average outer girth of appendix was 2.80 cm. In males it was 2.83 cm and in females it was 2.76 cm. Average distance of appendix from ileocaecal junction was 2.47 cm. In males it was 2.63 cm and in females it was 2.31 cm. Most common shape of caecum was adult 73.33%, exaggerated 13.33%, infantile 8.33%, fetal 5%. In males it was adult 33.33%, exaggerated 10%, infantile 3.33%, and fetal 3.33%. In females it was adult 40%, exaggerated 3.33%, infantile 5% and fetal 1.67%. Average length of caecum was 7.52 cm. In males it was 8.07 cm and in females it was 6.97 cm. Average width of caecum was 8.48 cm. In males it was 9.05 cm and in females it was 7.92 cm. Out of total retrocaecal appendix 76.5% were with adult caecum, 11.8% were with exaggerated caecum, 8.8% were with infantile caecum, 2.9% were with fetal caecum. Out of total pelvic appendix 73.3% were with adult caecum, 13.3% were with infantile caecum, 13.3% were with fetal caecum and none of them were exaggerated. Out of total preileal appendix 55.6% were with adult caecum, 44.6% were with exaggerated caecum and none of them were fetal and infantile. Out of total postileal appendix 100% were with adult caecum and none of them were exaggerated, infantile or fetal. The knowledge of anatomy of vermiform appendix and caecum is of significant importance during surgical and radiological procedure to avoid any catastrophical complication.