Histopathological Evaluation of Lesions of Appendix - A Cross Sectional Study

BACKGROUND Appendix is considered as a vestigial organ in medical history. But recent studies reveal its importance in immunological function. Appendicectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed and acute appendicitis being the most frequent pathology noted. Various less common pathologies like parasitic infestation, granuloma, diverticulum, neoplasms are also described. In our institute, we have seen an increased rate of acute appendicitis and a relative increase in neoplastic conditions. The purpose of this study was histopathological evaluation of lesions of appendix over a period of five years and its association with demographic data. METHODS This cross-sectional study included all specimens received in the department of pathology with primary pathology in appendix. Appendix removed as a part of other surgical procedures were excluded. Relevant clinical data, gross findings and histopathological diagnoses were retrieved from pathology records and computer databases and statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16.0). RESULTS Out of the 576 cases, 485 (84 %) patients showed findings consistent with acute appendicitis on histopathological examination. Perforation rate was 4.86 % and was higher in male patients. Other pathologies include chronic appendicitis in 58 cases (10.06 %), eosinophilic appendicitis in one case (0.17 %), appendix with lymphoid hyperplasia in 14 cases (2.43 %), periappendicitis in 4 cases (0.69 %), fibrous obliteration of appendix in 2 cases (0.34 %), granulomatous appendicitis in 4 cases (0.69 %), appendix with lymphoid hyperplasia in 14 cases (2.43 %), diverticulitis in one case (0.17 %), tubular adenoma with low grade dysplasia in one case (0.17 %), neuroendocrine tumour in one case (0.17 %) and mucinous neoplasms in 5 cases (0.86 %). CONCLUSIONS The study supports routine histological examination of all the appendicectomy specimens to avoid missing of any clinically important condition which has significant impact on treatment and prognosis. Also noted an increased number of mucinous neoplasms suggesting the importance of future studies in this field. KEYWORDS Appendix, Acute Appendicitis, Chronic Appendicitis, Mucinous Neoplasms of Appendix, Diverticulitis