Case report of a Mega-Appendix: Longest Non-Perforated Appendix

Abstract

The appendix remains to mesmerize the surgeon in its presentations, pathologies and even functions. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of an “acute abdomen” in young adults. Open appendicectomy remains the management of choice for acute appendicitis and is one of most frequently performed urgent emergency operation by the surgeon in training. The intraoperative appearance of appendix can be deceiving and even at times challenging even for an experienced hand. The saying goes “approach every appendicitis, as a unique case”. The size of appendix varies from individual to individual the average being 6 to 9cm in length and 7 to 8mm in diameter. The maximum length of appendix recorded so far in country is 17.5cm and globally is a case of a perforated appendix of 55cm long. We present a case report of one of the longest non-perforated appendix removed, so far in India, measuring about 18.2cm in length and 7.6cm in its largest circumference.

Keywords

• acute appendicitis
• acutely inflamed appendix
• open appendicectomy