Mechanism and Significance of Obliteration of the Lumen of the Vermiform Appendix.

The appendix being the common site for inflammation, an idea came to the mind that if the lumen is obliterated whether we can prevent inflammation. With this idea at the back of the mind a study was made in appendices which showed obliteration of the lumen or a very little lumen. 228 biopsy specimens sent to the pathology department of our college during the past 1 and 1/2 years were used for the study. We observed that 40 specimens showed narrowing of the lumen which was further classified into total obliteration which was observed in 12 specimens, slit like lumen in 21 cases and a very small lumen in 7 cases. The incidence was more in chronic inflammation and in males. The obliteration of the lumen of appendix was more common in the age group ranging from 2040 years during which time the lymphoid infiltration is also more due to repeated infections. The appendix being the common site for inflammation, the present study was carried out to analyze whether obliteration of lumen or very little lumen has any relation to inflammation. Materials and Methods 228 biopsy specimens sent to the pathology department of our college during the past 1 and 1/2 years were made use for the study.