The position of the vermiform appendix at laparoscopy.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• The anatomical position of the vermiform appendix is highly variable.
• Limited data exists on the frequency distribution of appendix positions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of various appendix positions during laparoscopic procedures.
• To document variations in cecal positioning.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 303 patients undergoing laparoscopy.
• Appendix and cecum positions were documented before other surgical interventions.
• Relative frequencies of anatomical positions were calculated.

Main Results:

• The cecum was located at McBurney's point in 80.9% of patients.
• The appendix was most frequently in the pelvic position (51.2%), followed by post-ileal (22.1%) and retrocaecal (20.1%).
• Significant variations in cecal position were also observed.

Conclusions:

• The appendix is more frequently found in the pelvic position than the retrocaecal position.
• Surgical data reveals considerable variability in both appendix and cecum locations.
• Findings challenge common anatomical assumptions regarding appendix positioning.