Spectrum of histopathological lesion in surgically removed appendix

Abstract

Background and objectives: Appendicitis is the most common-intra-abdominal condition requiring emergency surgery, with a 7% lifetime risk. We have prospectively studied the histomorphology of different disease process affecting the appendix and correlated the clinical diagnosis with the histopathological findings.

Methods: The appendicectomies done primarily for appendicular pathology, received at histopathology section of our department were included and those resected along with hysterectomy and hemicolectomy procedures were excluded from this study.

Results: A total of 420 specimens were analyzed. 256 (60.95%) were males and 164 (39.05%) females. The histopathological examination showed acute inflammation in 241 (57.32%), chronic inflammation in 166 (39.52%), granulomatous in 3 (0.71%), tumor and tumor like lesions in 9 (2.14%), diverticulosis in one (0.2%), were found in appendix. Parasites were found in 6 (1.42%), mucocele in four (0.95%) and carcinoids in 4 (0.95%) and mucinous adenocarcinoma in one (0.23%). Clinico-pathological correlation for acute appendicitis was 64.15% and for recurrent appendicitis was 51.93%.

Conclusion: Despite the decline in incidence of appendicitis in recent decades, the vermiform appendix continues to be frequently encountered surgical pathology specimen. Our knowledge about diseases of appendix including appendicitis, the most common disease, is far from complete. This organ therefore remains worthy of careful and systematic study both by the clinician and the pathologist.

Keywords: Appendicitis; appendicectomy; histopathology of appendix.