Histomorphometric study of vermiform appendix.

Abstract

Objectives: To understand the histopathology of various diseases of vermiform appendix, the knowledge of normal histology of the organ at different age group is mandatory. Study Design: Comparative study. Setting: Islamic International Medical College Rawalpindi. Period: January 2014 to March 2015. Material and Methods: Total forty negative appendectomy/normal appendices specimens removed along with other abdominal operations were included in this study. Four equal groups (10 specimens in each) were made, spacing 15 years between each group. The last group had no upper age limit due to less availability of the specimens. The middle parts of specimens were included in this study the various parameters i.e. wall thickness, lymphoid nodules and lumen sizes were measured under microscope after calibration in micrometers after staining. Results: The lumen size decreases with advancing age. There was inverse relationship between lumen size and wall thickness. Surprisingly sum of mean lumen size and mean wall thickness of all age groups had no much difference. The number and size of lymphoid nodules decreases with advancing age. Conclusion: Although lumen size decreased as age advances but did not obliterate completely till 74 years age. The number and size of lymphoid nodule decreased but wall thickness size remained same and they are observed even at the age of 74 years.