Anatomical variations of caecum and appendix: A cadveric study in Mysore based population

Background: The caecum is the first part of the large intestine. It begins caudally from the ileocecal valve and ends blindly in the right iliac fossa. Typically the caecum is located intraperitoneally in the right lower abdomen and has a length of 5 to 7 cm. The vermiform appendix is attached dorsomedially to the end of the caecum where all three taeniae converge. It is 2 to 15 cm long and lies often intraperitoneally, variations in anatomical location of appendix can result in different clinical presentation in acute appendicitis and carcinoid tumour. The present study aims to determine the morphological variations of caecum and appendix. Material and method: The study was carried out in 28 cadavers which were available in the department of anatomy JSS medical college. The shape of the caecum, morphometry and ileal opening into caecum was noted, the position and lenth of appendix was also observed. Results: The shape of the caecum was adult in 21 specimens 75% and in 25 specimens ileum opened posteromedially to caecum (89.2%) Fig 1 in 3 specimen’s ileum opened anteromedially to caecum. Conclusion: The identification of caecum and appendix is first step in appendicectomy either in open or laproscopic surgery. The anatomical variations of caecum and appendix is important for surgical gastroenterologists. Keywords: Caecum, Appendix, Appendicitis, Appendicectomy, Anatomical variations