The anatomical position of the vermiform appendix and its morphometry in relation to the extension of the mesoappendix: a study on fresh cadavers

Abstract

Introduction: the Vermiform Appendix (VA) is a highly variable organ, being an enigma for the surgeon regarding its position, size and symptomatology. Rapid and accurate diagnosis for adequate treatment of acute appendicitis not only depends on the symptoms, but also on the knowledge of variations in its anatomical position. Objective: to determine the occurrence of the anatomical position of the VA in fresh cadavers, its relationship with the mesoappendix and morphometry. Material and method: the Vermiform Appendages (VAs) of 50 fresh cadavers were examined, the morphological aspects and morphometry of the VAs were studied, such as: position, length and diameter of the appendix, in addition to the length of the mesoappendix and whether it occupied the entire length of the appendix length. Morphometric data were performed with a digital caliper with a precision of 0.01 mm. Result: of the 50 cadavers autopsied during the study, 44 (88%) were male and six (12%) were female. Age ranged from 14 to 80 years, with an average of 36.8 years. Regarding the biotype, 44% (22) were athletic, 32% (16) leptosomic and 24% (12) pycnic. The VA was located in six different positions, with the pelvic and retrocecal positions being the most prevalent. The mesoappendix occupied, in 92% of the cases, the entire length of the VA. Conclusion: the most frequent position of the VA was the pelvic type. Knowledge about the anatomical position of the appendix and the complete mesoappendix in the population can contribute significantly to improving the early clinical diagnosis of appendicitis and, consequently, reducing morbidity.