[Biomechanics and histological examinations on the pathogenesis of appendicitis]

After appendectomy 60 appendices were examined for their biomechanical characteristics. The active contraction capability and the relaxation after noradrenaline were registered in Tyrode's solution by a tension recorder, and a length/tension graph was drawn up. After histological examination of the appendices, the findings were classified as the classical inflammation stadium. It was shown that the appendix wall can retain its physiological properties up to an advanced stage of inflammation. Physiological decomposition and paralysis of the appendix wall occur only when gangrene sets. Examination also showed that in the subacute inflammation stage scars are formed which cause motility disorders which, in their turn, also cause inflammation.